Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: put off him and his brother, and send unto the cities callers. 36 who shall bring to you every skilful sorcerer." 37 So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And it was said unto the people: are ye going to assemble. 39 That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?" 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 Thereupon they threw down their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the glory of Pharaoh, we shall prevail." 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and it swallowed up all that they had conjured into being. 45 Then the magicians flung themselves prostrate. 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We hope that our Lord will forgive us for our sins; we were not believers at first." 51