۞ From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time. 55 So We showed Pharaoh all Our signs, but he cried lies, and refused. 56 He said: Hast come to drive us out from our land by thy magic, O Moses? 57 We shall certainly meet you with like magic. So make an appointment when we and you could meet on common ground, which neither we nor you should fail to keep." 58 [Musa (Moses)] said: "Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon)." 59 So Pharaoh withdrew, devised his stratagem and returned. 60 Moses told them, (the magicians) "Woe to you if you invent falsehood against God; you will be destroyed by the torment. Whoever invents falsehood against God will certainly be lost." 61 So they debated among themselves as to what to do; but they kept their counsel secret, 62 They said, "Certainly they are both magicians who want to drive you out of your land by their magic, and destroy your best traditions. 63 So arrange your plan, and come in battle line. Whoso is uppermost this day will be indeed successful. 64 They said, "O Moses, either you throw or we will be the first to throw." 65 He said: nay, cast ye down. And lo! their cords and their staves were made to appear to him by their magic as though they were running. 66 and Moses conceived a fear within him. 67 We said unto him, 'Fear not; surely thou art the uppermost. 68 Throw down what is in your right hand: It will swallow up what they have conjured. For what they have fashioned is only a trick of the sorcerer; and a sorcerer does not succeed wherever he may come." 69 And the magicians were cast down making obeisance; they said: We believe in the Lord of Haroun and Musa. 70 'Have you believed him before I have given you permission' he (Pharaoh) said. 'Indeed, he (must be) your chief, the one who taught you sorcery. I will cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot then crucify you on the trunks of palmtrees. Indeed, you shall know whose punishment is more stern, and more lasting' 71 The magicians answered: "By Him Who has created us, we shall never prefer you to the Truth after manifest Signs have come to us. So decree whatever you will. Your decree will pertain, at the most, to the present life of the world. 72 Surely we believe in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and the magic to which you compelled us; and Allah is better and more abiding. 73 Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgment),- for him is Hell: therein shall he neither die nor live. 74 But whoever comes before Him a believer having done good deeds, will be raised to higher stations -- 75 living for ever in the Gardens of Eden, underneath which rivers flow. Such shall be the recompense of he who purifies himself. 76