۞ Thereof We created you, and thereunto We return you, and thence We bring you forth a second time. 55 And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse. 56 He said, “Have you come to us in order to expel us from our land by your magic, O Moosa?” 57 We shall certainly meet you with like magic. So make an appointment when we and you could meet on common ground, which neither we nor you should fail to keep." 58 Said (Moses): "Let your meeting be on the day of the Feast, and let people assemble in broad daylight." 59 Pharaoh went back and concerted all his stratagem and returned for the encounter. 60 Said Moses to them: "Woe unto you! Do not invent lies against God, lest He afflict you with most grievous suffering: for He who contrives [such] a lie is already undone!" 61 Then they wrangled about their affair among themselves, and kept secret their private counsel. 62 They said: These are most surely two magicians who wish to turn you out from your land by their magic and to take away your best traditions. 63 So resolve upon your plan and then come [forward] in line. And he has succeeded today who overcomes." 64 Said [the sorcerers]: "O Moses! Either thou throw [thy staff first,] or we shall be the first to throw." 65 Moses replied: "No, let it be you to throw first." Then suddenly it appeared to Moses, owing to their magic, as if their ropes and staffs were running. 66 And Moses felt afraid within himself. 67 We said unto him, 'Fear not; surely thou art the uppermost. 68 Throw down what is in your right hand and it will swallow up all that they have performed; theirs is only a magical performance. Magicians can find no happiness in whatever they do." 69 So the magicians were thrown down to prostration: they said, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses". 70 (The Pharaoh) said: "You have come to believe without my dispensation. Surely he is your chief who taught you magic. I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides and crucify you on the trunks of date-palm trees. You will come to know whose punishment is harder and protracted." 71 They answered: "Never shall we prefer thee to all the evidence of the truth that has come unto us, nor to Him who has brought us into being! Decree, then, whatever thou art going to decree: thou canst decree only [something that pertains to] this worldly life! 72 Verily we! we have believed in our Lord, that he may forgive us our faults, and that to which thou hast constrained us in the way of magic; and Allah is Best and Most Lasting. 73 Indeed the one who comes guilty to his Lord – so undoubtedly for him is hell; neither dying nor living in it. 74 But whoso cometh unto Him a believer, having done good works, for such are the high stations; 75 Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever. That is the reward of him who groweth. 76