۞ Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again. 55 And indeed We showed him all Our signs – so he denied them and did not accept. 56 And said: "Have you come to us, O Moses, to drive us out of our land with your witchery? 57 But we surely can produce for thee magic the like thereof; so appoint a tryst between us and you, which neither we nor thou shall fail to keep, at a place convenient (to us both). 58 [Moses] said, "Your appointment is on the day of the festival when the people assemble at mid-morning." 59 So Pharaoh withdrew and gathered his guile, then returned, 60 and Moses said to them: 'Alas! Do not forge a lie against Allah lest He destroys you with a punishment. Indeed, whosoever forges has failed' 61 So they differed with one another in their task, and secretly conferred. 62 They said: "Verily! These are two magicians. Their object is to drive you out from your land with magic, and overcome your chiefs and nobles. 63 “Therefore strengthen your scheme, and come forth in rows; indeed whoever dominates this day has succeeded.” 64 They said: O Moses! Either throw first, or let us be the first to throw? 65 Moses said: "No. You cast it first" Then it seemed to Moses that by their magic their cords and rods were flying; 66 and in his heart Moses became apprehensive, 67 We said to him: "Fear not. You will certainly be victorious. 68 And [now] throw that [staff] which is in thy right hand - it shall swallow up all that they have wrought: [for] they have wrought only a sorcerer's artifice, and the sorcerer can never come to any good, whatever he may aim at!" 69 The magicians then prostrated themselves. They said, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses." 70 Pharaoh said, "Have you believed in him before I permit you? He must be your master who has taught you magic. I will cut your hands and feet off on opposite sides, and have you crucified on the trunks of palm-trees. You shall know whose punishment is more severe and more lasting." 71 They said: We choose thee not above the clear proofs that have come unto us, and above Him Who created us. So decree what thou wilt decree. Thou wilt end for us only this life of the world. 72 We have faith in our Lord so that He will forgive our sins and our magical performances that you forced us to show. God is better than all things and His rewards last longer." 73 Lo! whoso cometh guilty unto his Lord, verily for him is hell. There he will neither die nor live. 74 But he who comes to Him with faith and righteous works shall be exalted to high ranks, 75 gardens of perpetual bliss, through which running waters flow, therein to abide: for that shall be the recompense of all who attain to purity. 76