Essay & Panel Competition · Mafiq Foundation
EPC 2027: The Art of Patience
Finding purpose in a world that never slows down. A competition that builds writing, public speaking, critical thinking and leadership for students in Grades 1–12.
What is EPC?
EPC is an annual forum where young Muslims sharpen their writing, speaking and thinking while reflecting on the role of faith in today’s world. Students compete in essays and speeches, extemporaneous writing and impromptu speaking.
The top five winners in each of the six levels receive cash awards of $25 to $100, plus certificates and trophies. Their essays may be published in Young Muslim Voices, available on Amazon. Every other participant receives a certificate and a trophy.
Testimonials
I can credit Mafiq Foundation for helping me find my love for writing. They take all the winning submissions and publish a book every year.
Arif Kabir, former participant
I’ve been involved in EPC and debate clubs since 4th grade. These programs solidified my confidence in public speaking, and I use those skills in my professional life.
Imam Bashar Arafat, former participant
EPC has played a crucial role in my kids’ development. It built their confidence, writing styles and public speaking skills.
Anum Shami, parent
I judged the art and media submissions. I want to help the youth of our community interact with other Muslims their age.
Hussein Aligabi, judge
Questions
Who can take part?
Students in Grades 1–12.
Do I need to attend in person?
Levels 1–3 attend the in-person speech contest at ISB. For Levels 4 and above, DMV-area students attend in person at ISB and students from outside the DMV join through Zoom.
Is there a workshop to help me prepare?
Yes. Four free Zoom workshops run from November to January. See the workshop schedule.
Who do I contact?
Form & Format
All students compete on January 23, 2027. What you do depends on your level.
Levels 1–3 (Grades 1–6)
These levels follow the format of previous years. Submit an essay by the deadline, then attend the in-person speech contest at ISB on January 23, 2027.
Submit essayLevels 4 and above
No essay submission is required. You take part in the impromptu speech and extemporaneous writing contests on January 23, 2027.
- DMV area: attend in person at ISB. Virtual participation is not allowed.
- Outside the DMV: join through Zoom.
Rules for virtual participants
- You get your prompt 5 to 10 minutes before you start, based on your grade level.
- Keep your camera on while you prepare and compete, and work on your own.
- Judges must see your face, upper body and both hands.
- For the speech, you may use index cards. Your hands must stay free except when holding the cards.
- No outside help, AI or other technology.
The Art of Patience
This year’s theme: Finding Purpose in a World That Never Slows Down.
Level 1 (Grades 1–2)
Write a friendly letter to a family member or friend about a time you had to be patient. Explain what happened, how you felt while waiting and what you learned. How can patience help us in daily life? Include all the parts of a friendly letter.
Level 2 (Grades 3–4)
Our world encourages us to seek quick results, instant answers and immediate success. Why is patience still important? Discuss how it helps in school, friendships, family relationships and personal growth.
Level 3 (Grades 5–6)
Modern life rewards immediate results, rapid communication and constant productivity, yet relationships, education, leadership and growth often need patience. Has our obsession with speed caused us to undervalue patience? Consider how patience shapes decisions, relationships and long-term goals, and how faith can guide us toward a more purposeful life.
Levels 4–6
Prompts for these levels are coming soon. Levels 4 and above receive a prompt at the contest.
Impromptu & Extempore
Join the impromptu contest to build the confidence and quick thinking you need for MAFIQ’s premier national debate tournament.
Why impromptu speech?
Strong speaking skills open doors in any career, from business and law to medicine, public service and entrepreneurship. An impromptu contest is your chance to organize your thoughts under pressure and speak with confidence without preparation. You don’t need to be a great speaker. You just need to be willing to grow.
What you get
Workshops
All times are Eastern. Workshops run on Zoom, and registered participants receive the link.
| Date and time | Workshop | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2026, 2:00 PM | EPC Basics and Topics Explained | Doha Nassar |
| Nov 15, 2026, 3:00 PM | The Art of Writing | Rahma Zakaria |
| Dec 6, 2026, 2:00 PM | The Art of Speech and Presentations | Ebna Sabit Siam |
| Jan 7, 2027, 8:00 PM | Pitching and Storytelling | Nassar Chanda |
Meet the presenters
Doha Nassar
Former EPC participant and judge. She teaches second grade in Montgomery County and helps students build leadership and social skills.
Rahma Zakaria
MIT graduate with a Bioengineering PhD from the University of Maryland.
Ebna Sabit Siam
Early college student at Simon’s Rock studying economics and computer science. A two-time national speech champion who mentors and coaches students.
Nassar Chanda
Entrepreneur and business leader who helps Muslim youth become founders and builders.
Resources
For participants
Code of conduct
Rules every participant and parent agrees to follow.
Format & rubrics
The criteria judges use in every event.
Resources & tips
Tools to help you learn and prepare.
For judges
Judges’ guidelines
Resources to help with the scoring process.
Live document
EPC live document: learn, explore and follow updates. An updated edition is coming soon.
Past EPCs
Winning essays are published each year in Young Muslim Voices on Amazon.
| Year | Venue | Theme | Volume |
|---|