Leader Addresses Qur'an Reciters

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned against western attempts to gain political and economic dominance over Muslim nations, saying Muslims worldwide must adhere to their "Islamic identity" to deter such attempts. Ayatollah Khamenei made the statement in a meeting with dozens of Qur'an reciters and memorizers attending the 34th International Holy Qur'an Competitions in Tehran on Thursday, Press TV reported. The Leader described the West's political, economic and cultural dominance as the main challenge gripping many Muslim societies, which has weakened their "Islamic identity".  To preserve their "Islamic identity", the Leader said, Muslim nations should make efforts to get a clear understanding of "Qur'anic concepts" and make them an inseparable and constant part of their public and international discourse. "We are distanced from Qur'an and this is benefiting the enemies," he said. The Leader noted that staying away from the Holy Qur'an leads to the elimination of Islamic identity in Muslim states. Ayatollah Khamenei said the loss of this Islamic identity today is reflected in the weak stances adopted by Muslim countries in the face of the US and Israel.