۞ From the earth We have created you and We will return you to it, and from it We shall bring you forth a second time. 55 And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse. 56 He said: "Have you come to us to drive us out of our land by your sorcery? 57 "Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof; so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we, nor you shall fail to keep, in an open wide place where both shall have a just and equal chance (and beholders could witness the competition)." 58 (Musa) said: Your appointment is the day of the Festival and let the people be gathered together in the early forenoon. 59 Pharaoh went back and concerted all his stratagem and returned for the encounter. 60 Moosa said to them, “Ruin is to you – do not fabricate a lie against Allah, that He may destroy you by a punishment; and indeed one who fabricates lies has failed.” 61 So they discussed their strategy among themselves and conferred privately, 62 They said: Lo! these are two wizards who would drive you out from your country 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: either thou cast down, or we shall be the first to cast down. 65 Moses said: "No. You cast it first" Then it seemed to Moses that by their magic their cords and rods were flying; 66 Moses felt afraid within himself. 67 [But] We said: "Fear not! Verily, it is thou who shalt prevail! 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 [And so it happened and down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves in adoration, [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 70 Fir'awn said; believed ye in him ere I gave you leave! verily he is your chief who hath taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on the opposite sides, and will surely crucify you on the trunks of palm-trees, and ye shall surely know whichever of us is severer in torment and more lasting. 71 They said, 'We will not prefer thee over the clear signs that have come to us, nor over Him who originated us. Decide then what thou wilt decide; thou canst only decide touching this present life. 72 "Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir'aun's (Pharaoh)] reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment)." 73 The truth is that Hell awaits him who comes to his Lord laden with sin; he shall neither die in it nor live. 74 But for whosoever comes before Him as a believer and having done good works there awaits the most highest degree; 75 and shall live for ever in everlasting Gardens beneath which rivers flow. Such will be the reward of those who purify themselves. 76