Essay Panel Competition

An Overview

WHAT: The Extemporaneous Speaking competition will judge your ability to speak on a topic in an organized and poised manner with only a few minutes of preparation.

WHO: For now the competition is open for only middle school and high school students.

HOW: You will be given the exact prompt aligning with the EPC theme during the competition, and will have 30 minutes to prepare a 5 to 7 minute presentation based on your personal knowledge and optionally with references. If you decide to join this exciting competition, your speech will be graded on the basis of content and ideas, presentation and delivery, and precision of language. Your goal should be to prepare and present, not to memorize and recollect.

Know More About Us –>

Upcoming Events

November 2025

02 Nov

14 Dec

Workshop Schedule (Nov-Dec)

Sunday

EVENT DETAIL

January 2026

05 Jan

EPC 2026: Faith and Technology: Navigating the Age of AI

Monday

EVENT DETAIL

No event found!

Join us for EPC 2026!

We’re excited to announce the annual Essay and Panel Competition (EPC) for 2026. We invite students to participate in this year’s theme:

Register by January 5, 2026 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.

Learn, explore, and follow updates

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

(Updated edition coming soon!)

Participant Resources

Judges' Resources

Resources & Tips

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