Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic. So, what do you bid?" 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 to bring thee every cunning sorcerer. 37 So the magicians were assembled at a set time on a day made known. 38 and the people were told: "Will you join the assembly? 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 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 [And] Moses said unto them: "Throw whatever you are going to throw!" 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 Thereupon the magicians fell down in prostration, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They said, "It does not matter. We shall be returning 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