The Pharaoh said to the people around him, "He is certainly a skillful magician. 34 who desires to expel you from your land by his sorcery; what do you command?' 35 They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities.” 36 And bring the ablest magicians to you." 37 So the sorcerers were gathered on the appointed day 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?" 40 And when the wizards came they said unto Pharaoh: Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners? 41 He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 Thereupon they threw their [magic ropes and their staffs, and said: "By Pharaoh's might, behold, it is we indeed who have prevailed!" 44 Then Musa cast down his staff, and lo! it swallowed up that which they had devised. 45 so the sorcerers were cast down, bowing themselves. 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 "The Lord of Moses and 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 Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers." 51