Statements at the Celebration of Worship and Duty for a Group of Schoolgirls in Bushehr

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

I extend my congratulations to all of you and your parents on this celebration of worship and duty, and I am very pleased to have participated in this sweet and beautiful celebration of your worship.

Dear children! You who have held your celebration of worship today, in truth, from today, the Almighty God, with all His greatness and majesty, speaks to you and addresses you, and honors you with duty. Today, you dear girls have left the world of childhood and are considered among the adults; because prayer is obligatory for you, and you must pray, worship, and speak with the Great God. Value this sweet period of life and, God willing, learn your prayers completely. It should not be that our dear little girls who have reached duty today do not know how to pray. Of course, I know that you know how to pray; but you must also learn the details of the prayer. All of you must learn the phrases of the prayer, the supplications you say in prayer, the movements you make, and the ablution and purity and the necessary actions for prayer, God willing.

From today, when you pray, you speak with your God, and God listens to your words and hears your speech, and God willing, He will answer your prayers. You must pray for your parents, for your teachers, for our dear combatants, and for the youth of this country, and ask the Almighty God for prosperity, freedom, and all good things for your country. God willing, your pure hearts and sincere spirits will have answered prayers.

I am very pleased to have participated in your celebration today. I also thank the female teachers and the school authorities who worked hard and prepared these dear little girls for today; especially these lovely children who recited poems and songs for us; both their recitation and their songs were very good. God willing, may you all be successful and supported.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings