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Essay Panel Competition

An Overview

WHAT: A competitive forum that strengthens public speaking, critical thinking, and creative expression, leadership training for students from Elementary through High School.

WHO: Open to students in Grades 1–12, welcoming all youth eager to learn, grow, and challenge themselves.

HOW: Students compete in four categories, each building essential academic and real-world skills:

  1. Essays & Speech (Grades 1–8):
     Builds strong writing, clear expression, and confident speaking through structured essays and prepared speeches.
  2. Extemporaneous Essay (Middle* & High School):
     A 15-minute on-the-spot writing challenge that develops quick thinking and focused communication.
  3. Impromptu Speech (Middle* & High School):
     A spontaneous speaking event that strengthens confidence, organization, and impactful delivery.

Information Campaign (Middle & High School):
 A youth-led awareness project on issues related to this year’s theme, Faith & Technology—Navigating the Age of AI, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and community engagement.

🚀Access all EPC⭐ 2027
Register Here Learn More

Upcoming Events

Register Here
🚀Access all EPC⭐ 2027
Submit Eassy

Join us for EPC 2027!

We’re excited to announce the annual Essay and Panel Competition (EPC) for 2027. We invite students to participate in this year’s theme:

Register by January 9, 2027 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!

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.

Register Here

EPC Live Document

Learn, explore, and follow updates

👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/17maw_9wN3JbwWP8udWVbozJUmhs6MoRB/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs 

(Updated edition coming soon!)

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

Resources & Tips

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

Learn More

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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EPC Historical Event Log

Year VenueThemeYMV LinkElementary WinnersMiddle WinnersHigh School Winners
2026Al Fatih
Academy
Reston
Va		Faith & technology:Navigating the age of AIVol 11
2025ISB,
Baltimore,
MD		Leadership and Legacy.Vol 11
2024AHS,
College Park,
MD		Islam in the Modern WorldVol 11
2023DCA,
Lanham,
MD		The Earth- A Gift From Allah.Vol 10
2022DCA,
Lanham,
MD		Islam and Mental HealthVol 10
2021Navigating the COVID-19 PandemicVol 10
2020The Prophet of Peace and Justice Vol 10
2019Civility, Ethics, & MoralityVol 9
2018Alhamdulillah, I am MuslimVol 9
2017PGMA,
Lanham
MD		Faith Through ActionVol 9
2016ADAMS
Sully Chantilly
Va		My Life and Belief Online.
2015DAT
Ellicott City
MD		Managing Conflict
2014Building a Community:Prospering through unity
2013Life HereafterVol 6
2012PGMA
Lanham
MD		Building a
Community:
Prospering
through Unity
Vol 5
2011Dar al
Noor, MAV,
Va		Patience,
Perseverance,
Steadfastness
Vol 4
2010ISWA,
Silverspring,
MD		Towards a
Healthy and
Harmonious
Family
Vol 3
2009Dar al Hijra,
Farifax, Va		LeadershipVol 2
2008Shady
Grove
Middle School
(ICM), MD		Follow the
Signs
Vol 1
2007ADAMS Center
Sterling
Va		Dawah
2006DAT
Ellicott City
MD		Read the Quran: Lead the World
2005Fairfax
Gov’t Center
VA
2004DAT
Ellicott City
MD
2003MCC
2002Silver Spring Community Center, MD
2001
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