On the first day of the spring of Quran, the auspicious month of Ramadan, Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah (congregation hall) was all beaming with the light of God’s word. Quranic reciters, hymners and eulogists held an assembly for affinity with the Holy Quran for three hours in the presence of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.    

In the meeting, the Leader said one of the crucial requirements of the Islamic Ummah (community) today is the need for “intimacy with the Quran and practice its instructions” and stressed that the current woes of the world of Islam such the regrettable condition of Palestine and the crimes of the Zionist regime, particularly in recent days, are the result of detachment from the Quran. He said, “Quds is the capital of Palestine, and by God’s grace, Palestine will be liberated from the clutches of enemies and the US and its puppets cannot do a damn thing in the face of truth and divine order.”     

Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the need for more attention to Quran in all of the dimensions of life and pointed to the predicaments and plights of the world of Islam, particularly the conditions of the people of Palestine. He said, “You saw the crimes of the malicious and bogus Zionist regime in killing dozens of people and injuring thousands of Palestinians. In such conditions, some complain about the US not taking a stand, whereas the US and many of the Western governments are complicit in these crimes.” 

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that the Islamic Ummah, Islamic governments and Islamic states must take a stance against these crimes, reiterating, “The Quran tells us to be tough against the enemies of religion and infidels, and be kind among yourselves; however, due to aloofness from the Quran today, we are witnessing war and conflict among Muslims in the world of Islam and submission to infidels.” 

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that there is no end to hostilities against Islam, adding, “If the Islamic Ummah grows intimate with the Quran, as has been stipulated in the Quran, they will undoubtedly overcome the enemy because this is the divine pledge.”

He said Quranic recitation and meetings are a prelude to deliberation on the Quran and understanding and implementing it. Addressing Iranian and revolutionary youths, he said, “Increase your affinity and familiarity with the Quran day by day, because the comprehension of the Quran and practicing it will become the source of your strength, might and honour.”  

In conclusion, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution sought God Almighty’s forgiveness for the martyrs of Palestine in recent days and asked for greater perseverance for those fighting for the right cause. He stressed, “In the face of the inviolable divine order, the US and its accomplices will be forced to accept defeat and surrender.” 

In this magnificent assembly, a number of masters and veterans, young reciters, recitation groups, vocalists, eulogists and hymners staged their performances.      

At the end of the ceremony, Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (night-time) prayers were led by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.