Pharaoh said to the nobles around him: "Surely this man is a skilled magician 34 He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?" 35 They answered: "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send unto all cities heralds 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said unto the people: Are ye (also) gathering? 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]." 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast their ropes and staffs, saying: 'By Pharaoh's might, we shall be the victors' 44 Then Moses cast down his staff and it swallowed up their lying invention, 45 And the wizards were flung prostrate, 46 saying: 'We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 The Lord of Musa and Harun. 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 said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 "Verily! We really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Musa (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allah]." 51