Fir`awn describes Musa's Proofs as being Magic and Their Agreement to hold a Contest

Allah, the Exalted, informs of what Fir`awn said to Musa when he showed him the great proof. This great sign to Fir`awn was Musa casting down his stick which became a huge snake, and his pulling his hand out from under his arm while it was glowing white without any illness. At this, Fir`awn said, "This is magic that you have brought to us to bewitch us and conquer the people, so that they will follow you. Then you will outnumber us." Fir`awn then said, "Your plan will not work. We have magic just like yours, so do not let yourself be deceived by that what you are doing."

فَاجْعَلْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكَ مَوْعِداً

By words مَكَانًا سُوًى(at an even place) in verse 58 the Pharaoh proposed that the contest between Sayyidna Musa (علیہ السلام) and his own magicians should be held at a place which should, as far as possible, be within easy access of the Egyptians, Sayyidna Musa (علیہ السلام) and the Bani Isra'il. The latter readily accepted this proposal and fixed the day and the time for the contest by suggesting۔