Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery, then what is it your counsel, and what do you command?" 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked: 'Will you gather 39 The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” 40 So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir'aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Musa (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!" 43 Then they cast their cords and their staves, and said: by the might of Fir'awn, verily we! we shall be the winners. 44 Then Musa cast down his staff and lo! it swallowed up the lies they told. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 saying, "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before I give you permission? surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but soon shall ye know! Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!" 49 They answered: "No harm [canst thou do to us]: verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn! 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51