Statements of the Supreme Leader at the Closing Ceremony of the Fifteenth Quran Competition

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

We thank God that once again the atmosphere of the country and the hearts of our people have been perfumed with the fragrance of the blessed verses of the Quran; although there is no day or night when the faithful children of this land do not perfume themselves and the atmosphere with the Quran.

My dear ones! This recitation, which we insist upon so much, is the first necessary step. The Quran defines itself in various languages; among other things, it states: "Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most upright"; meaning the Quran guides humanity to the best path, the best deeds, the best system, the best methods, the best ethics, and the best ways of individual and societal action.

Today, all of humanity is in need of the Quran; however, if we Muslims do not act upon the Quran, our loss is greater than others, because we have this prescription and this instruction manual, and we also have the historical experience of it. Humanity, in its early days, reached its peak in knowledge, ethics, actions, and various material and spiritual advancements due to adherence to the Quran. The Quran is always alive. The Quran addresses human needs. In every era, it can be the best prescription for human happiness.

Today, human societies across the farthest corners of the world, due to their distance from spirituality, distance from the truth of humanity, distance from ethics, and distance from God, have reached a state where all this material progress cannot make them happy. Why? Is humanity not wealthier and more knowledgeable today than ever before? Is humanity not more faced with tools that ease life than ever before? Then why is life so bitter?! Why is there so much conflict in the world? Why is there so much war? Why is there so much inhumanity? Why do young people in the wealthiest countries of the world not feel happy? What does humanity need for happiness that is not at its disposal? The answer is one word: Humanity lacks the message of the prophets; humanity does not have the soothing and comforting prescription of the prophets in hand, or it does not act upon it. Misery lies here. This Quran has the most complete prescriptions at its disposal.

We, the people of Iran, have acted upon a part of this holy book. Who can say that we, the people of Iran, have acted upon all of Islam? Can such a claim be made?! We have adhered to a corner of Islam, we have clung to it and acted upon it; the result is that we have freed ourselves from the humiliation of following global arrogance.

My dear ones! Today in the world, in important global matters, the voice is that of the bullies of America and their likes! Look and see! Regarding the Middle East, Afghanistan, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, regarding the economy and oil, the voice is theirs. Many governments and nations, out of necessity, comply with this bullying command. We, the Iranian nation, in all our affairs, whatever pertains to internal matters, whatever pertains to the government, whatever pertains to the economy, foreign policy, and the Middle East, and whatever pertains to identifying friends and enemies - in all these matters - we have understood the opinions and views of the meddling arrogant powers and we have said "no" to them!

My dear ones! This is thanks to this one step that you have taken. This one step that you have taken with the Quran has honored you, revived you, given you vitality, and made your officials representatives of yourselves. There are many presidents in the world - look and see - there are many ministers in the world; where can you find officials and statesmen like those of this country, like the president and ministers of this country?! All are with the people, for the people, in service to the people, humble and servants of God. This is due to the blessings of the Quran and Islam.

My dear ones! When you take one step in the way of God, God helps, guides, and opens doors: "And whoever fears God, He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon God, He is sufficient for him." In the supplication of Sayyid al-Sajidin (may peace be upon him), we read: "And indeed, the one who travels to You is close in distance"; when you go towards God, the path is near. "And indeed, You do not hide from Your creatures."

The first step for complete adherence to the Quran is familiarity with the text of the Quran. During the tyrannical regime, our people were not familiar with the Quran. Those who could read the Quran by heart - and even that incorrectly - were limited. The youth and those who grew up in the schools of the Pahlavi era had no familiarity with the Quran. If at any time they had a faithful father and mother, they would place them in a corner for Quranic training and learn themselves. Our schools at that time did not bear the responsibility of Quranic education; the Quran was alien in the atmosphere of society. In this great city of Tehran, Quranic courses where a few people would gather and a teacher would teach them - Tajweed or recitation - were few. The same was true in other cities. When the Quran enters society, its presence brings sweetness to the mouths. Today, the Quran dominates our country. The first step is to learn the text of the Quran, and this must increase day by day. If we want everyone to learn the Quran, some must reach the peak - like everything else - just as if you want sports to become universal, you must keep some champions in front of the people. If you want the Quran to spread in homes, among children, among adults, among women and men, you must respect the Quranic champions. This is why we respect them. They are the bearers of the Quran, they are precious. Their tongues are precious, their lips and hearts are precious; because they are familiar with the Quran. Our lives are sacrificed for the Quran! But this does not end here; memorizing the Quran, understanding its concepts, and translating every word of the Quran is necessary for those who are not familiar with the Arabic language. When you understand the words of the Quran, then contemplation is necessary. Even someone who knows Arabic well, if they do not contemplate, will gain little from the Quran. Contemplation is necessary in the Quran - contemplation means thinking about the Quranic concepts - this is a profound statement, this is a great statement; it must be contemplated. The speaker of it is the Divine Essence. Its words also belong to the Divine Essence - meaning its words, not just its concepts - therefore, one must pay attention to it, one must understand it, one must delve into it. This cannot be achieved except through familiarity with the text of the Quran.

Make your children Quranic; just as they are. You dear young people whose pure and radiant hearts are familiar with the Quran, appreciate this. Those who have been granted the success to memorize the Quran should appreciate their memorization; it is very valuable, it is very precious. Then, by appreciating it, that movement will continue and the path towards the source of the light of the Quran will never end. Then the Islamic Ummah, by the blessings of the Quran, will be able to take its rightful place. O Lord! We beseech You by Muhammad and the family of Muhammad to hasten this day for the Iranian nation and for all the Islamic Ummah.

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