۞ And when Moses had fulfilled his term and was wandering with his family [in the desert,] he perceived a fire on the slope of Mount Sinai; [and so] he said to his family: "Wait here. Behold, I perceive a fire [far away]; perhaps I may bring you from there some tiding, or [at least] a burning brand from the fire, so that you might warm yourselves. 29 When he came to it, he was called from the right bank in the blessed plot of the tree (he heard speech without letter or voice coming from all directions): 'Moses, I am Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 30 And [then He said]: "Throw down thy staff!" But as soon as [Moses] saw it move rapidly, as if it were a snake, he drew back [in terror,] and did not [dare to] return. [And God spoke to him again:] "O Moses! Draw near, and have no fear - for, behold, thou art of those who are secure [in this world and in the next]! 31 Put your hand into your bosom; it will come out [shining] white, without blemish; now draw your arm close to your body to calm your fears. These are two credentials from your Lord for Pharaoh and his nobles. Surely, they are a rebellious people." 32 He said: "O my Lord! I have slain a man among them, and I fear lest they slay me. 33 So send my brother Aaron with me as helper for he is more fluent than I with words, that he should affirm me, for I fear that they would call me a liar." 34 The Lord said, "We will support you by your brother and will grant you such prestige that no one will dare to approach anyone of you. By the help of Our miracles both you and your follower will certainly triumph." 35 But as soon as Moses came unto them with Our clear messages [Pharaoh and his great ones] said: "All this is nothing but spellbinding eloquence devised [by man]: and never did we hear [the like of] this, [nor has it ever been heard of] in the time of our forebears of old!" 36 Moses said: "My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper." 37 The Pharaoh said: "O nobles, I am not aware of any other lord of yours but myself. So, O Haman, fire some clay (bricks) to build a tower for me that I may mount up (and see) the God of Moses; for I think he is a liar." 38 And he was unjustly proud in the land, he and his hosts, and they deemed that they would not be brought back to Us. 39 Therefore We seized him and his hosts, and cast their into the sea; so behold how was the end of the evildoers! 40 And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped. 41 A curse lies upon them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised. 42