Global Prophet Mohammad Poetry Contest Kicks Off

An international poetry contest inspired by the Danish Prophet Mohammad cartoon controversy opened today to Muslim and non-Muslim adults, teens, and children. Prizes valued at up to $4,000 U.S. are up for grabs.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) May 12, 2006 –- An international poetry contest inspired by the Danish Prophet Mohammad cartoon controversy has opened today and is now accepting submissions.

The first-ever Praise the Prophet International Poetry Competition is a global contest dedicated to poetry about the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). It is open to Muslim and non-Muslim adults, teens, and children. Prizes valued at up to $4,000 U.S. are up for grabs.

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.

The contest was inspired by a desire to react to the Danish cartoon controversy in a positive and proactive manner, said Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf, a Muslim scholar and author in Santa Barbara, California and founder of the web site behind the contest, IslamicPoetry.org.

“Ignorance about our beloved Prophet Mohammad, upon him be peace, and his teachings is at the root of many deplorable actions by Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” he said.

“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.”

Contestants can submit their poems about the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) through the contest web site IslamicPoetry.org, by mail or by fax.

Grand Prize winners in the adult and teen categories will receive up to $1,000 for round-trip airfare to the Prophet’s homeland (Makkah & Madinah, Saudi Arabia) 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.

The contest will close at 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, August 31, 2006. Winners will be announced in early September on the contest web site.

Detailed prize information, contest rules, and resources on the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) are available at http://www.islamicpoetry.org.

Muslims believe Mohammad to be the final messenger of God after all other prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). He passed away in 632 A.D. and has since been written about extensively by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Mohammad is ranked first by Michael H. Hart in his book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History.

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.

Contacts:

Imam Tahir Anwar
IslamicPoetry.org
Phone: 408.768.4661
Fax: 408.294.4744

Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf
IslamicPoetry.org
Phone: 805.968.4666

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