Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 and the people were asked, "Will you all be there?" 39 so that we may follow the magicians if they become victorious? 40 When the magicians arrived, they said to the Pharaoh: "Is there a reward for us if we are victorious?" -- 41 He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” 42 Moses said to the magicians, "Throw down whatever you are going to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (the Pharaoh): "You have come to believe in him before I gave you leave. He is surely your chief, who taught you magic. You will soon come to know: I will have your hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, and have every one of you crucified." 49 They said, "There is no harm. To our Lord we shall return. 50 We hope our Lord will forgive us, as we are the first of the believers." 51