[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. 34 Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye? 35 They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- 36 That they should bring to you every skillful magician. 37 So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. 38 And the people were also asked to assemble. 39 Belike we may follow the magicians if they are the winners? 40 Now when the sorcerers came, they said unto Pharaoh: "Verily, we ought to have a great reward if it is we who prevail. 41 He said: Yes, and surely you will then be of those who are made near. 42 Moses said to them: "Cast what you have to cast." 43 So they cast their ropes and their staffs, and said, 'By the might of Pharaoh we shall be the victors.' 44 Therefore Moosa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. 45 And the magicians were thrown down prostrate; 46 [and] exclaimed: "We have come to believe in the Sustainer of all the worlds, 47 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 48 Said [Pharaoh]: "Have you come to believe in him ere I have given you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has taught you magic! But in time you shall come to know [my revenge]: most certainly shall I cut off your hands and your feet in great numbers, because of [your] perverseness, and shall most certainly crucify you in great numbers, all together!" 49 They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allah) we are to return; 50 Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers. 51