Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Meeting with Quran Reciters

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

First of all, I thank the dear reciters and the very esteemed readers who have truly brightened our eyes by gracing this session with the sweet sound of the Quran, and I express my gratitude to God.

Today, thanks be to God, the sound of the Quran resonates throughout our country, thanks to the blessings of the Islamic Republic. Our dear youth should know that there was a time when the Quran was truly foreign in this country; not only was there a lack of adherence to the Quran and reverence for it, but even the recitation of the Quran was alien. Occasionally, there would be a display or a movement seen in a corner; however, the Quran was not desired or the prevailing current among the people of the country, especially our youth. Today, I look around and see that the number of young people and even teenagers who recite the Quran at the necessary level is considerable. The dear youth who recited here today all performed exceptionally well. Gradually, this Quranic movement has strengthened in the country.

I have said many times, and I will say it again: we pursue the distinguished recitation of the Quran in this country so that familiarity with the Quran and its recitation becomes widespread among the people. My dear ones! You must become familiar with the Quran. Our language is not the language of the Quran; we can refer to the translation of the Quran; however, delving into the Quranic meanings cannot be achieved merely through translation; just as reading the text of the Quran does not always yield results for those who understand; it is achieved through contemplation and depth.

The Quran must be faced like a mirror; pure, shining, and unblemished; so that the Quran reflects in our hearts. The Quran must resonate within our souls; this is not always the case for everyone; it is for those who purify their hearts with inner clarity and a pure soul; who confront the Quran with faith, belief, and acceptance; otherwise, those who harbor enmity in their hearts, who are determined not to listen or understand, will find no effect from the sound of the Quran, the words of the Quran, or the message of the Quran in their hearts; "And if We had sent down to them the angels and the dead spoke to them and We gathered everything before them, they would not believe unless God wills"; if you were to stitch the earth to the sky for some individuals, this disbelieving and tarnished heart would not draw near and would not believe. Thus, they read the Quran, but they do not draw near to it.

We must draw near to the Quran. You dear youth and all the young people who hear this message across the country should know that there is wisdom in the Quran, there is light, there is healing. The knots that arise in the heart and soul of a person due to the material challenges of the world can be untied by the touch of Quranic wisdom; this is a reality; it opens hearts, grants understanding, provides hope, gives light, and instills a firm resolve to move on the straight path. We must confront the Quran and seize these benefits.

When we drown in the world, we deprive ourselves; it is like coating a mirror with mud; it is evident that it reflects nothing. We must not deprive ourselves of the Quran. Today, unfortunately, the Islamic world has deprived itself. We, the Islamic Ummah, have deprived ourselves of the Quran. Thus, they read the verses of the Quran, but at the same time, they see that the verse of the Quran has a wrathful view towards relying on others besides God, towards associating partners with God, towards joining non-God factions and camps. At the same time, their hearts are with America, their hearts are with the arrogant powers of the world, their hearts are with the dominating capitalist companies, both Zionist and non-Zionist. If the Islamic world does not achieve the necessary movement and leap towards elevation, it is due to these entanglements.

Of course, today, fortunately, Muslims have awakened. Today, Islamic awakening is palpable throughout the world, and day by day, God willing, this awakening and brotherhood among Muslims will increase.

It is the time for the Maghrib prayer. We have much to say to you; we are eager to hear your Quranic voices; however, unfortunately, there is no time for either.

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