۞ From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again. 55 So We showed him (Pharaoh) Our signs, all of them, but he belied and refused them. 56 He said: "Have you come to us to drive us out of our land by your sorcery? 57 We will indeed bring sorcery similar to yours. Appoint a meeting place between us and you, in a place which is agreeable to both which neither we nor you shall not fail (to keep)' 58 Musa said: your appointment is the gala day, and that the people be gathered in the forenoon. 59 After this the Pharaoh withdrew and settled his stratagem, then came back. 60 Moses said to them: "Woe betide you. Do not fabricate a lie against God, or He will destroy you with some affliction. For he who fabricates lies is doomed to failure." 61 So they differed with one another in their task, and secretly conferred. 62 saying: 'These two are sorcerers whose aim is to drive you from your land by their sorcery and destroy your noble ways. 63 Bring together your devices and come forward in ranks; the winner will, certainly, have great happiness". 64 They said to Moses: 'Will you throw down or shall we be the first? 65 Moses replied: 'No, you throw first' And by their sorcery it seemed to him that their ropes and staffs were sliding. 66 And he sensed within himself apprehension, did Moses. 67 [But] We said: "Fear not! Verily, it is thou who shalt prevail! 68 And cast thou down that which is in thy right hand: it shall swallow up that which they have wrought; They have wrought only a magician's stratagem; and the magician prospereth not wheresoever he cometh. 69 The magicians, (seeing the miracle), fell down in prostration, saying: "We believe in the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 70 (Pharaoh) said: Ye put faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he is your chief who taught you magic. Now surely I shall cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and I shall crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and ye shall know for certain which of us hath sterner and more lasting punishment. 71 The magicians answered: "By Him Who has created us, we shall never prefer you to the Truth after manifest Signs have come to us. So decree whatever you will. Your decree will pertain, at the most, to the present life of the world. 72 Indeed, we have believed in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And Allah is better and more enduring." 73 Surely for him who comes before his Lord a sinner shall be Hell, where he will neither die nor live. 74 But whoever comes to Him as a believer having done righteous deeds - for those will be the highest degrees [in position]: 75 and shall live for ever in everlasting Gardens beneath which rivers flow. Such will be the reward of those who purify themselves. 76