Said [pharaoh] unto the great ones around him: "Verily, this is indeed a sorcerer of great knowledge 34 He wants to expel you from your land through his magic. What is your opinion?" 35 They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities 36 to mobilise all skilled magicians." 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And the people were told: "Are ye (now) assembled?- 39 Haply we may follow the magicians, if they are the vanquishers. 40 When the magicians came, they asked Pharaoh, "Shall we have a reward, if we are the winners?" 41 He replied, "You will then be my closest associates". 42 (Moses) asked the magicians, "Cast down what you want to". 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs saying, "By the honor of the Pharaoh we shall certainly become the winners". 44 Then Moses cast his staff and lo, it forthwith swallowed up their lying invention; 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 Crying: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 48 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put your faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he doubtless is your chief who taught you magic! But verily ye shall come to know. Verily I will cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and verily I will crucify you every one. 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 We are eager that our Lord should forgive us our offences, for that we are the first of the believers.' 51