Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said: Put him off, (him) and his brother, and send into the cities summoners 36 Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 So when the magicians came, they said to Firaun, “Will we get some reward if we are victorious?” 41 Answered he: "Yea - and verily, in that case you shall be among those who are near unto me. 42 Moses said to them, 'Cast you down what you will cast.' 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Then Moses threw his staff and lo! it swallowed that which they did falsely show. 45 The magicians fell down prostrate, 46 saying: "We (now) believe in the Lord of the Universe, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51