Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. Tell us, what do you advise us?" 35 They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers 36 That they may bring to thee every magician knowing. 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 The people were asked, 'Will you assemble? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 “The Lord of Moosa and Haroon.” 48 The Pharaoh said, "You believed without my permission? He seems to be your chief who has taught you magic. But you will soon know (the result of what you have done). I shall certainly cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you all together." 49 They said, 'There is no harm; surely unto our Lord we are turning. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51