Hawzah News Agency (Qom, Iran) – In his message issued to the Quranic festival organized by Iranian ministry of Health in Fars Province, Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi highlighted the role of the Holy Quran in unifying the Muslim community and asserted, "Quran is the word of Allah (swt) and it serves as an eternal guide for mankind’s felicity as well as the unity of all Muslims."

"In conditions that the Islamic countries are burning in the flames of division and are urgently in need of unity and solidarity to fight the brutal invasion of the enemies, the best solution is to act upon Allah’s words as he says in the Holy Quran ‘And hold fast to the Rope of Allah, together, and do not scatter’ (3:103). This is the time Muslims gather around the Quran and unite against their enemies."

"Holding fast to the rope of Allah (swt) means all Muslims should adhere to Quranic teachings; If Muslim youth become familiar with the valuable lessons of this holy book, Quran will protect them against the enemies’ cultural invasions and vicious plots which seek to undermine Muslims’ beliefs and moralities," the statement read.

The Shia source of emulation further noted, "In the end, I advise all youth to recite some verses of Quran every day, even a few of them, following the Morning Prayer; you should ponder upon their meanings and do your best to apply those concepts and guidelines in your daily actions to experience content and peace in life. I pray to Allah (swt) for your success, dignity and prosperity."