The chiefs of the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer;

"He wants to get you out of your land, so what do you advise?"

They said: "Put him and his brother off (for a time), and send callers (men) to the cities to collect (and) -

"That they bring up to you all well-versed sorcerers."

And so the sorcerers came to Fir'aun (Pharaoh). They said: "Indeed there will be a (good) reward for us if we are the victors."

He said: "Yes, and moreover you will (in that case) be of the nearest (to me)."

They said: "O Musa (Moses)! Either you throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?"

He [Musa (Moses)] said: "Throw you (first)." So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic.

And We inspired Musa (Moses) (saying): "Throw your stick," and behold! It swallowed up straight away all the falsehoods which they showed.

Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect.

So they were defeated there and then, and were returned disgraced.

And the sorcerers fell down prostrate.

They said: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

"The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)."

Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "You have believed in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission. Surely, this is a plot which you have plotted in the city to drive out its people, but you shall come to know.

"Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, then I will crucify you all."

They said: "Verily, we are returning to our Lord.

"And you take vengeance on us only because we believed in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.) of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims."