۞ 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 But when he came to the fire, a cry was heard from the right bank of the valley, from a tree in the hallowed ground: "O Moses, verily I am Allah, the Lord of all creatures of the Universe." 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 Insert your hand into the opening of your garment; it will come out white, without disease. And draw in your arm close to you [as prevention] from fear, for those are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his establishment. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient." 32 Moses said, "My Lord, I have killed one of their people and fear that they may kill me. 33 And my brother, Haroun, he is more eloquent of tongue than I, therefore send him with me as an aider, verifying me: surely I fear that they would reject me. 34 He said, “We will soon strengthen your arm with your brother, and give you both dominance, so they will not be able to harm you; due to Our signs; you both, and those who will follow you, will be victorious.” 35 When Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said, "This is nothing but contrived magic. We never heard of this among our forefathers." 36 But Moses said: "My Lord knows well who has come with guidance from Him, and for whom is the guerdon of Paradise. But surely the wicked will not prosper." 37 Whereupon Pharaoh said: "O you nobles! I did not know that you could have any deity other than myself. Well, then, O Haman, kindle me a fire for [baking bricks of] clay, and then build me a lofty tower, that haply I may have a look at the god of Moses; although, behold, I am convinced that he is of those who [always] tell lies!" 38 And he and his soldiers wrongfully sought greatness in the land, and assumed they would never be brought back to Us. 39 so We seized him and his hosts and cast them into the sea. Consider the fate of the wrongdoers. 40 And we made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find. 41 in this world We made a curse to follow them and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed (and despised). 42