Speech by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at the Closing Ceremony of the Quran Memorization and Recitation Competitions

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

First of all, I welcome all the esteemed attendees, especially the dear reciters and those who, through the recitation, memorization, and interpretation of the Quran, have been able to create a spiritual status for themselves; and also to all the dear guests who have come from various countries - whether esteemed professors, dear reciters, and memorizers and interpreters - I extend my greetings.

We thank and praise the Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to connect with the Quran. If a nation can immerse itself in the Quran, placing itself in the Quranic atmosphere, it will be able to resolve its problems. The great problem of the Muslims of the world is their distance from the Quran; the remedy is a return to the Quran. The Quran is not merely for recitation in corners and nooks; it is for action; it is for understanding and knowledge; it is for the Islamic community to comprehend its duties; to understand its responsibilities; to escape from bewilderment; to be freed from darkness. The Quran session, the recitation of the Quran, and the sound of the Quran are a prelude to understanding Quranic concepts. A major flaw in our actions as Muslims, as the Islamic Ummah, is that we speak of the Quran but do not act upon it; we speak of God's love but do not follow God's religion. "Say, if you love God, then follow me, and God will love you." If someone loves God, the proof of their sincerity is their adherence to the Prophet; adherence to the Quran.

My dear ones! The Iranian nation, to the extent that it has drawn closer to the Quran, has drawn closer to dignity; to salvation; to success; to victory. The path to salvation for all nations of the world is closeness to Islam and the Quran. The path to salvation for Palestine is the same. Look; for fifty years, an usurping government has been established in Palestine. During this time, struggles have taken place, but they have not reached their conclusion. Why? Because in these struggles, God's religion, Islamic faith, and Quranic rulings were not the criteria. Today, the Palestinian nation is fighting against the enemy in the name of Islam, and this struggle has created tremors in the foundations of the enemy. If Muslims help them - which is the Quranic duty of all - certainly this path will be shortened. Even if Muslims do not help, if they themselves resist and stand firm, they will still be victorious; however, victory in isolation and loneliness is harder; like our nation that stood alone while the East and West opposed it. In the imposed war against us, all centers of power were against us. We resisted in solitude; we endured isolation; but we did not give up resistance, and the Almighty God granted us victory. The Palestinian nation is the same. To enter into a life worthy of humanity, struggle is necessary. It is the duty of all Muslims to participate in this struggle and to assist that part of the Islamic body that is in the hands of the enemy so that they can reclaim it. This is one example of acting upon the Quran. If Muslims act upon this one law and this one command, many matters will be rectified.

My dear ones! Dear youth! The recitation of the Quran is a great virtue and a reward; however, this recitation is a means to reach understanding. This Quran is a vast ocean. The more you advance, the thirstier you become, and the more interested you are, and your heart becomes brighter. One must reflect upon the Quran. I again urge you young people to become familiar with the meanings of the Quran and to understand its translation. I have repeatedly asked this of the youth, and many have taken action. The Quran that you recite every day, whatever you recite, also look at its translation; let these concepts be engraved in your young minds. In that case, you will find the opportunity to reflect.

Today, the philosophical schools and knowledge systems of the world are at a loss regarding humanity. Believe me, the social schools of the world are at a loss regarding humanity and cannot find a way. It was Marxism that failed and was destroyed in that manner. The Western schools are the same; they are at a loss. The reason for their helplessness is that in the West there is knowledge, there is money, there is military power; there is no happiness; there is no tranquility and peace; there is no spiritual calmness. Thus, that prescription is a failed one; it is a defeated prescription. However, the Quran and the teachings of Islam provide humanity with knowledge, comfort, dignity, and tranquility: "He it is who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they might add faith to their faith"; "Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and made them adhere to the word of piety." In addition to worldly pleasures, material comfort, and scientific power, it provides tranquility and peace; and this has been experienced in history; today it can also be experienced. In the Islamic Iran, we have taken a small step; we have observed its effects; we have seen its blessings; and the further we go, the more it will increase. Today, the remedy for the Islamic Ummah is this; the prelude and the straight path is this Holy Quran.

In this Quranic gathering, I will say a few sentences of prayer, and you say Amen. O Lord! Grant victory and honor to Islam and Muslims wherever they are in the world. O Lord! Unite and consolidate the Islamic Ummah. O Lord! Make all of us, all of the Iranian nation, all of the Islamic Ummah familiar with the Quran and appreciative of the Quran. O Lord! Fill our hearts, which are full of love for the Quran, with the knowledge of the Quran. O Lord! Bless the struggle of the Palestinian people. O Lord! Grant them victory. O Lord! Bless the fighting people of Lebanon and the fighters of Lebanon who have been able to make the arrogant enemy taste defeat through their faith and steadfastness; grant them success. O Lord! Awaken all of us Muslims from our slumber of negligence. O Lord! For Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, grant the future of the Islamic Ummah a bright and radiant future. O Lord! Make the sacred heart of the Awaited One, may our souls be sacrificed for him, pleased and satisfied with us. Make the pure souls of the martyrs, the soul of our dear Imam, pleased and satisfied with us.

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