BUDDING poets from across the world including Saudi Arabia are being called on to submit poems eulogizing the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the first-ever global poetry competition of its kind inspired by the Danish cartoon controversy.
The contest is open to Muslim and non-Muslim adults, teenagers and children and up to $4,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs. Organizers of the competition say they have been inspired to organize the contest by a desire to react to the Danish cartoon controversy in a “positive” and “proactive” way.
“Ignorance about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his teachings is at the root of many deplorable actions by Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” said Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Mangera, one of the organizers.
Mangera, who is a California-based Muslim scholar and author, added, “Expression through art, especially poetry, is an excellent medium of education. Unfortunately, English literature is, for the most part, deprived of poetry about the Prophet. This is an excellent opportunity to educate and contribute to Islamic art at the same time.”
Grand Prize winners in the adult and teen categories will receive up to $1,000 for a round-trip airfare to the Prophet’s homeland (Makkah and Madinah) or $800 in cash and gifts. The Grand Prize winner in the children’s category will receive a gift package valued at $400. Other prizes include $500 in cash and gifts, as well as gift packages and certificates. Prizes will be awarded to the top five winners in each of the three categories.
“We want everyone to take part in praising the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), regardless of their level of expertise in poetry,” said Sheikh Mangera.
The submission deadline for the contest has been extended to Nov. 30, 2006, and a $3 submission fee has been waived. “By extending the deadline and waiving the entry fee, we hope even more people will take advantage of this opportunity to pen words in praise of our beloved,” added Sheikh Mangera.
Contestants can submit their poems through the contest website www.islamicpoetry.org by mail or by fax. The contest will close at 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, and winners will be announced in early December on the contest website.
IslamicPoetry.org is the first poetry site dedicated entirely to Islamic poetry. Its mission is to encourage poets of all ages, nationalities and cultures to submit their poetry on various Islamic themes, to serve as a means of benefiting readers from different cultures around the world. Detailed prize information, contest rules, and resources on the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are available at www.islamicpoetry.org.