Statements at the Meeting with Participants of the International Quran Competitions

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I welcome the dear guests of this holy city and the Quranic guests of our country who have come from other countries. We thank God for placing the love of the Quran in our hearts and the hearts of our people. We thank God for granting our people the opportunity to study the Quran, to be close to the Quran, and to recite the Quran. During the era of tyranny, the Quran was neglected in our country; there was no collective movement to promote the Quran; whatever happened was due to the personal inclination of individuals. In the era of the Islamic Republic and the rule of Islam, one of the main programs for the officials of the country is the promotion of the Quran; recitation of the Quran, closeness to the Quran, understanding the Quran, and memorizing the Quran are part of the programs; one of the manifestations of this is these international competitions. However, reciting the Quran and beautifully reading the divine verses is a prelude to reflecting on the Quran. We do not want to occupy ourselves, to be entertained by reciting and reading the Quran and Quranic melodies as a main subject; this is a prelude, this is the way. Reciting the Quran with a pleasant voice causes the human heart to soften, to become humble, and to prepare for understanding the Quranic teachings and verses; we need this.

Today, the Islamic world needs to understand Islamic teachings. Today, the Islamic world needs the lessons that the Quran has given to nations for steadfastness, resilience, a good life, and Islamic dignity for nations. The lessons of the Quran in this regard are life-giving lessons; we need these lessons. As long as the rays of the main concepts of the Quran have been illuminated in Islamic countries, you see that the direction of popular movements is Islamic. In the past, this was not the case. In the past, wherever a social movement occurred in Islamic countries, the direction was towards leftist and Marxist and socialist thoughts; but today, wherever a movement occurs, the direction is Islamic.

Of course, these movements have ruthless and treacherous enemies. Today, global arrogance is the blood enemy and is firmly standing against Islamic movements. America is firmly standing against these movements; Zionism is firmly standing against these movements and is resisting. Undoubtedly, the enemy will not sit idly by while Muslim nations do whatever they want according to the program of Islam and the map of Islam; they resist.

The point is that the Quran has taught us that if you are patient, if you stand firm, if you do not change your place, if you do not change your direction, you will be victorious; this is the lesson of the Quran. The Quran tells us that if you have faith in this path and these goals and move in the way of this faith, you will undoubtedly be victorious; this is the lesson of the Quran; this is what Muslim nations must learn, this is what Muslim nations must believe; if they believe, they will overcome the most complex military and intelligence equipment of the enemy; if they weaken, if they feel weak, if their reliance on God Almighty weakens, if they trust the enemy's smile and tricks, they will certainly be defeated.

Today, the Islamic world needs these lessons. For the dissemination of these lessons, the best means, the best book, is the Holy Quran itself. Therefore, whatever we can do to promote closeness to the Quran among nations, among our own nation, among Muslim nations, accompanied by reflection and acceptance of God's promise, we have helped awaken the nations; this is a duty.

We should not only suffice with reading, only with rhetoric, only with various melodies; these should be seen as a means. A beautiful tone and a beautiful voice for the Quran are necessary, but in order for hearts to become humble, to soften, and to reach the meanings of the Quran. It is not that we should think this is an independent matter; no, these are a prelude; this prelude must be done with the intention of that which is intended; and of course, without this prelude, it is also difficult. The reason we insist on memorizing the Quran, on reciting the Quran, on expanding Quranic sessions across the country, on teaching Quranic sciences and Quranic skills—from recitation and writing to various other issues surrounding the Quran—is because familiarity with these and spending time in these fields makes the atmosphere of the country a Quranic atmosphere. We need this atmosphere. When the atmosphere becomes Quranic, closeness to the Quran will increase, it will become widespread; and closeness to the Quran will lead to reflection on the Quran and Quranic teachings. Today, the Islamic world needs this reflection. We, the Iranian nation, also need this reflection.

We are proud that in this materialistic world, we were the first to raise the banner of the rule of the Quran and Islam. We stand firm on this great claim, we have endured its hardships, and we have shown that if a nation is patient, endures, and stands firm, it will not only thwart the enemy but will also progress; this is what has happened in our country.

From the very first day, they tried to extinguish this light in this country. For thirty-three years, they have exerted all their efforts, but this light has become broader day by day, its brilliance has increased day by day; they not only could not lower the banner of the rule of Islam in this country, but this nation has progressed day by day. Today, the scientific progress rate of the Iranian nation is eleven times the world average; this is according to the statistics that international scientific centers have announced and reported. Today, in various dimensions and in various fields—in political fields, in scientific fields, in construction and development—our country is rapidly progressing.

Spirituality is also, thanks be to God, on the rise in our country. Our youth are devoted, they are prayerful, they are Quranic, they are engaged in spiritual retreats. The number of young people in this country who are devoted to spirituality is relatively unmatched elsewhere; and as we observe from the signs, it does not exist in this number of faithful, interested young people, despite all the destructive and deceptive factors that are being provided for young people around the world today with modern means.

Our youth are faithful, our youth are righteous; this is to the chagrin of the enemy. The enemy wanted to take the banner of the rule of Islam and the victory of Islam from this nation and lower it; but not only could they not do this, but despite the enemy's animosity, our country has progressed materially and spiritually and will continue to progress. God willing, the day will come when Islam and Islamic societies and Muslim communities will be outstanding examples of material and spiritual progress for the world, that people will look to them and imitate them; undoubtedly, this day will come; and this will be thanks to the Quran.

The recommendation is that as much as you can, become more familiar with the Quran; engage more with the Quran; learn more from the Quran; reflect more on the Quran and make the Quran a lesson for your life and your path.

We hope that God Almighty grants you and us the success to live with the Quran and die with the Quran.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.