Statements of His Eminence at the Closing Ceremony of the 18th Quran Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation Competitions

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

I welcome the esteemed attendees, especially the dear guests and respected reciters and memorizers who have participated in this ceremony from various Islamic countries. I also congratulate those who have achieved distinguished ranks in these competitions. I thank those involved in this ceremony and hope that the efforts of the participants, guests, and organizers are accepted by God Almighty, and that He grants you the success to continue your Quranic activities and services.

I would like to say just one word, and that is that Muslims around the world must pay more attention to the Quran, given all the enmity directed against them. The remedy for our pains is the Quran. Whatever weakness, humiliation, and backwardness we observe in the Islamic world is due to our distance from the Quran. We must all—both ourselves and other Islamic countries—draw closer to the Quran.

The first recommendation of the Quran is the oneness of God and attention to Him, and breaking the idols of wealth and power—in whatever form they exist. Another recommendation of the Quran to Muslims is the unity of their word. If we do not heed the Quran's prohibition, which states "And do not be divided" (Quran 3:103), and create divisions and disputes among ourselves under various pretexts, leading to the fragmentation of the Islamic Ummah, the result will be the current situation you observe: the enemy attacks one part of the Islamic body, while the other parts seem oblivious! They are in a deep slumber! This is separation.

We must return to the Quran. Returning to the Quran is not just about reciting and memorizing it. Recitation, reading, and memorization of the Quran are the prerequisites for understanding and acting upon it.

Of course, the recitations you perform beautifully and well are inspiring and valuable, guiding the youth towards the Quran. Therefore, we support these competitions and must hold these Quranic competitions with even more enthusiasm and fervor.

We ask God Almighty to reform the affairs of the Islamic Ummah; to make us turn to the Quran; to illuminate our hearts with the light of the Quran; and, God willing, in life and death, in this world and the hereafter, may He not separate us from the Quran.

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