۞ From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again. 55 So We showed him all Our signs, but he denied them and refused, 56 He said, "Have you come to us to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Moses? 57 "Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof; so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we, nor you shall fail to keep, in an open wide place where both shall have a just and equal chance (and beholders could witness the competition)." 58 [Moses] said, "Your appointment is on the day of the festival when the people assemble at mid-morning." 59 The Pharaoh returned to organize his plans and then attended the appointment. 60 and Moses said to them, 'O beware! Forge not a lie against God, lest He destroy you with a chastisement. Whoso forges has ever failed.' 61 They started arguing and whispering to each other 62 They said: verily these two are magicians, intending to drive you forth from your land by their magic and to do away with your superior way. 63 So resolve upon your plan and then come [forward] in line. And he has succeeded today who overcomes." 64 They said, 'Moses, either thou wilt cast, or we shall be the first to cast.' 65 Moses said, "You throw first." When they did, their ropes and staffs through their magic seemed to be moving. 66 And Moses felt afraid within himself. 67 We (Allah) said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. 68 And [now] throw that [staff] which is in thy right hand - it shall swallow up all that they have wrought: [for] they have wrought only a sorcerer's artifice, and the sorcerer can never come to any good, whatever he may aim at!" 69 The magicians then prostrated themselves. They said, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses." 70 Pharaoh said, "Have you believed in him before I permit you? He must be your master who has taught you magic. I will cut your hands and feet off on opposite sides, and have you crucified on the trunks of palm-trees. You shall know whose punishment is more severe and more lasting." 71 They said, "Never will we prefer you over what has come to us of clear proofs and [over] He who created us. So decree whatever you are to decree. You can only decree for this worldly life. 72 We have certainly come to believe in our Lord that He may forgive our trespasses and the magic you have forced us to perform, for God is nobler and abiding." 73 Whoever comes to his Lord (being) guilty, for him is surely hell; he shall not die therein, nor shall he live. 74 But such as come to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds,- for them are ranks exalted,- 75 gardens of perpetual bliss, through which running waters flow, therein to abide: for that shall be the recompense of all who attain to purity. 76