The Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him: "He is certainly a clever magician. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said, "Hold him and his brother off for a while 36 who shall assemble before thee all sorcerers of great knowledge" 37 So the magicians were brought together on a particular day at a set time 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 We may perhaps follow the religion of the magicians if they triumph." 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: "Yes, you will then become those near-stationed to me." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they cast down their ropes and staffs, and said, "By Pharaoh's honour, we shall surely win." 44 Thereafter, Moses threw down his rod and behold, it went about swallowing up all the false devices they had contrived. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 They said: we believe in the Lord of the worlds. 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron.' 48 Said he: You believe in him before I give you permission; most surely he is the chief of you who taught you the magic, so you shall know: certainly I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and certainly I will crucify you all. 49 They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our Lord! 50 Behold, we [but] ardently desire that our Sustainer forgive us our faults in return for our having been foremost among the believers!" 51