Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, "Surely this man is a skilful sorcerer. 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They replied: 'Put him and his brother off for a while, and send heralds to your cities 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38 And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 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 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 Then the magicians fell prostrating in adoration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 and the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "There will be no harm. We shall return to our Lord. 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51