Mafiq Foundation

Essay Panel Competition

An Overview

EPC aims to foster speaking, writing and creative skills. It focuses on the development of skills in a positive environment through Essay, Speech, Extemporaneous Speech, Multimedia and Poster competitions.

Upcoming Events

Join Us for EPC 2025! 

We’re excited to announce the annual Essay and Panel Competition (EPC) for 2025, and we invite students to participate in this year’s theme:

“Leadership and Legacy: How Can Muslim Youth Leave a Lasting Impact?”

This year’s competition is designed to challenge students of all ages to reflect on the importance of leadership, legacy, and their role in creating positive change in their communities.

TOPICS:

Elementary School:

  • Level 1: Write a Letter — Write a letter to a friend or family member about how you can be a leader at home, at school, or in your community. What actions can you take to help others and show that you care?
  • Level 2: What Does It Mean to Be a Leader? — Explain the importance of leadership in Islam as a Muslim Youth: What Does It Mean to Be a Leader? What does leadership truly mean, especially at its most basic level? ⁠What qualities make someone a leader in general? ⁠What additional qualities should a Muslim leader possess? Use examples to support your response, and think about how leaders like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions embodied these qualities in their leadership.

Middle School:

  • Level 3+4: What Is a Legacy? — Explore what leaving a “legacy” means in simple terms, like the impact people can have on their family, friends, and school. Think about a small project you could lead that would create a positive memory for others. Share how this project could teach people about the importance of leaving a lasting, positive impact at a young age.

High School:

  • This year, high school students will participate in extemporaneous speech and writing competitions only—no prepared essays or speeches. This will test your ability to think on your feet and articulate your ideas with confidence!

Register by December 31, 2024 to participate in this exciting opportunity! Please spread the word and encourage your children or students to get involved.

This competition helps young Muslims develop their critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills while reflecting on the relevance of their faith in today’s world.

Don’t miss out! Encourage your child or student to take part in this wonderful chance to grow and make a positive difference!

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Celebrate Excellence: Awards, Recognition, and Publishing Opportunities at EPC!  

The top five winners in each of the six levels receive cash awards ranging from $25 to $100, along with certificates and trophies. Additionally, their essays may get published in our Young Muslim Voices publication, available on Amazon. You can view past EPC publications here.

All other participants will receive a certificate and trophy.

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Workshop Schedule:

November 3, 2024 | 2:00 PM 
Topic: EPC Basics and Topics Explained
Lead By: Doha Nassar
CLICK HERE FOR RECORDING OF WORKSHOP!

November 10, 2024 | 2:00 PM
Topic: Information Campaign Explained
Lead By: Amirah Ahmad
CLICK HERE FOR RECORDING OF WORKSHOP!

December 8, 2024 | 2:30 PM
Topic: The Art of Writing
Lead By: Rahma Zakaria
CLICK HERE FOR RECORDING OF WORKSHOP!

December 22, 2024 | 2:00 PM CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Topic: The Art of Speech and Presentations
Lead By: Arsalan Siddiqui

Participant Resources

Code of Conduct

We have laid out rules and code of conduct that every participant and parent is expected to abide by.

Format & Rubrics​

Our set of criteria used for assessing our participants in every event

Resources & Tips​

Library of tools to help our participants learn and prepare for the upcoming event.

Judges' Resources

We have resources available to help judges with the scoring process.

Testimonials

I was a competitor with Mafiq Foundation’s Essay Panel contest and Debate competition for several years. Alhamdulillah, I can credit Mafiq Foundation for helping me find my love for writing. One thing that I love about their work is that they take all the winning submissions and publish a book every year.
Arif Kabir
Participant
I can’t remember a school year that my parents didn’t encourage me to participate in Mafiq programs. I’ve been involved in EPC and debate clubs since 4th grade. Alhamdulillah due to these programs, my confidence in public speaking has been solidified. I’ve used these skills throughout my schooling and will continue to use them in my professional life.
Imam Bashar Arafat
Participant
EPC has played a crucial role in the childhood development of my kids. The programs have helped build their confidence, writing styles and public speaking skills. The community comments regarding my kids’ confidence have reinforced that EPC is a pillar and beacon of light for the community. If every family partakes in this annual competition – we will see its benefit in waves inshaAllah.
Anum Shami
Parent
I am a student at UMBC, studying biology. I was the judge for the art and media submissions in January earlier this year, and I truly loved doing it as I used to participate in the essay competitions when I was younger. I want to help the youth of our community and give them the opportunity to speak and interact with other muslims of their age.
Hussein Aligabi
Judge
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