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Al-Qaim Awards of Excellence |
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Thursday, 13 September 2007 |
Time has been an immortal witness to the labors of the march of humanity in its'
pursuit of happiness. We, just as those before us, have similarly stepped onto
this magnificent 'Stage of Time' featuring the epochal struggle of Man; defining
with every passing moment, our unique characters in this 'grand play'.
The dawn of the era of technology and globalization has allowed diverse streams of thought and
practise to present themselves before us with an ease totally unprecedented
in any earlier times. Each stream affirming its own understanding of the human
being and his ideal object of pursuit based on a particular perspective of
'reality'.
Within this context, Muslims are often questioned about their understanding of
reality, this unfolding play and their desired place within it.
Is it true as some would say, that Muslims are 'glued' to an ancient era thus
rendering them totally inept of playing any useful role in the modern world of today?
Or does Islam present a complete and harmonious outlook to this procession of
Man, providing noble directives for each during all times? Further, what is the
role of ethics and spirituality in the life of the individual and society? What
of those who hold different views from Islam? Are Muslims willing to offer an
'attentive ear' to those who hold opposing views or are such voices pushed aside
with contempt? Finally, how do
Muslims present the climax of this human struggle; the cherished aspiration of the
promised Saviour, Imam Al-Mahdi (atf) and his 'perfect system'?
In view of this, AIM is pleased to launch the second Al-Qaim Awards of
Excellence - a humble effort to further the goals of dialogue and to bring to
the fore
the rich spring of Islamic thought and what it has to offer to resolve
contemporary issues facing the global community through creative writing and
artistic expression.
During this Holy Month of Ramadhan, Al-Qaim Awards of Excellence will be
contested in three fields:
1. Al-Mufeed Award for Proficiency in Writing
2. Bint Al-Huda Award for Artistic Flair
3. Al-Farazdaq Award for Expression through Poetry
Al-Mufeed Award for Proficiency in Writing
The written piece should be based on one of the topics mentioned below with a
title of your choice.
Topics are as follows:
Qur'an & Supplication:
1 - The Holy Qur'an & its Message for Humanity
2 - The Holy Qur'an teaches me...
3 - Pluralism in the Holy Qur'an
4 - Supplication - A Moment of Silence with my Beloved
5 - Supplication: the Weapon of a Believer
The Mahdi & Mahdism:
6 - Imam Mahdi, Justice & Globalisation
7 - The Promised Dawn: An Insight into the State of Imam Al-Mahdi
8 - The Characteristics of the Followers of Imam Al-Mahdi
9 - Imam Al-Mahdi in Dua Al-Iftitah
10 - The 'Mahdi' in other Faiths
State & Society:
11 - To what extent should Muslim Communities in the West Intergrate into
Secular Society?
12 - The Position of Ethics in Western Society
13 - Hijab and Feminism
14 - The Role of a Muslim Youth in the West
Spirituality & Self Building:
15 - Attachment to the World: Its true Understanding & Effects
16 - Month of Ramadhan - A Time of Self-Examination
17 - The Quest to find Myself
Word Count: Up to 2000 Words
Deadline: Monday 15th October, 2007
Prizes:
| First Place |
$ 100 |
| Second Place |
$ 70 |
| Third Place |
$ 40 |
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Bint Al-Huda Award for Artistic Flair
The piece should be based on one of the themes mentioned in the writing contest
with a title of your choice and a short description.
Size Limit: N/A
Deadline: Monday 15th October, 2007
Prizes:
| First Place |
$ 60 |
| Second Place |
$ 40 |
| Third Place |
$ 25 |
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Al-Farazdaq Award for Expression through Poetry
The piece should be based on one of the themes mentioned in the writing contest
with a title of your choice and a short description.
Word Count: N/A
Deadline: Monday 15th October, 2007
Prizes:
| First Place |
$ 75 |
| Second Place |
$ 45 |
| Third Place |
$ 25 |
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The criteria for judging the entries shall be:
1. Originality (Style/method of introducing ideas)
2. Message/Content (Display of knowledge in presenting ideas)
3. Eloquence (How well the ideas are presented within the piece)
4. Relevance (How relevant is the piece to the general message)
5. Appeal (How well does the piece capture the audience)
- This competition is open to all
AIM Forum Members.
- For further details on how to submit entries, kindly visit:
how to submit an entry.
* Prizes for all competitions should be claimed within a month, from the date of
announcement of winners.
Comments posted are the sole opinion of the author and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of AIM. |
