'This', said he (Pharaoh) to his Council, 'is a cunning sorcerer 34 who wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery. What, then, do you advise?" 35 They said, 'Put him and his brother off a while, and send among the cities musterers, 36 "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer." 37 The sorcerers were gathered at the appointed time on a wellknown day, 38 and the people were asked: Are you all present, 39 "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners." 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 indeed; and you shall then be among the near-stationed.' 42 Moses said to them: "Throw down whatever you wish to throw." 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Therefore Moosa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. 45 So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allah]. 46 Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and 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 Surely we hope that our Lord will forgive us our wrongs because we are the first of the believers. 51