The Serah Competition is a premier academic conference which spans grades from middle school through college. Students are asked to choose one of a few given topics. They are then to write a paper about that topic in light of the Serah. Youth from communities all over Michigan will have the opportunity to research the life and sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) and create a presentation that is both analytical and narrative.
Topics and Themes:
Please select a topic from the themes below according to your grade level. The examples given are only sample topics, you may pick a specific topic of your choice within the general category and theme of the conference.
Middle School
1. "The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves" (Quran 33:6). In light of the Serah, examples of the Sahaba and the Quran, discuss the importance, obligation, virtues and rewards of loving the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).
2. "Truly, you are of the most outstanding character" (Quran 68:4). Choose a noble character trait of the beloved Prophet (pbuh) and discuss it in light of his Serah and its applicability to our lives. (e.g. humility, mercy, patience, generosity, justice, compassion etc.)
High School:
1. How would the Prophet (pbuh) approach challenges within the Muslim community? (e.g. Division, illiteracy, poverty, extremism, lack of scholarship etc).
College:
1. How would the Prophet (pbuh) approach the challenges Muslims face in the modern world? (e.g. Islamophobia, Defamation of the Prophet (pbuh) (Cartoons, etc.), Quran burning, plus environmental degradation, animal rights, and materialism etc).
Guidelines for Serah Papers:
Paper Format:
Title:
Abstract: [One paragraph summarizing the most important points and conclusions of your presentation]
Personal Information:
Name:
Grade:
Teacher:
Email/phone:
Thesis statement: [One sentence stating your hypothesis, central argument or main point]
Body of Paper:
Middle School
1. Introductory paragraph
2. Supporting Arguments, Examples, Stories, Hadith, Quran, Scholarly views etc.
3. How would you apply the lessons learned to our daily life?
4. Conclusion paragraph
High School and College
1. Introductory paragraph
2. Supporting Arguments, Examples, Stories, Hadith, Quran, Scholarly views etc.
3. Anticipate potential counter arguments to your thesis.
4. Provide rebuttal for potential counter arguments.
5. Conclusion paragraph
Sources:
1. Primary sources such as Quran, Hadith and major texts (see Serah website)
2. Other books, articles, internet sources etc.
3. Plagarism is strictly prohibited, please see policy on website.
Page Format:
1. There is no definite restriction on paper length however average and recommended paper length is 5-7 pages.
2. 12 point font, double spaced.
Submission:
Paper must be submitted via email to: serah@gaflint.org
Purpose:
The underlying goal of every presentation is to inspire the reader or listener to love, revere and follow the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).
Publication of Accepted Papers
The papers selected as finalists will be presented at the Serah Competition.
More information here.
Topics and Themes:
Please select a topic from the themes below according to your grade level. The examples given are only sample topics, you may pick a specific topic of your choice within the general category and theme of the conference.
Middle School
1. "The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves" (Quran 33:6). In light of the Serah, examples of the Sahaba and the Quran, discuss the importance, obligation, virtues and rewards of loving the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).
2. "Truly, you are of the most outstanding character" (Quran 68:4). Choose a noble character trait of the beloved Prophet (pbuh) and discuss it in light of his Serah and its applicability to our lives. (e.g. humility, mercy, patience, generosity, justice, compassion etc.)
High School:
1. How would the Prophet (pbuh) approach challenges within the Muslim community? (e.g. Division, illiteracy, poverty, extremism, lack of scholarship etc).
College:
1. How would the Prophet (pbuh) approach the challenges Muslims face in the modern world? (e.g. Islamophobia, Defamation of the Prophet (pbuh) (Cartoons, etc.), Quran burning, plus environmental degradation, animal rights, and materialism etc).
Guidelines for Serah Papers:
Paper Format:
Title:
Abstract: [One paragraph summarizing the most important points and conclusions of your presentation]
Personal Information:
Name:
Grade:
Teacher:
Email/phone:
Thesis statement: [One sentence stating your hypothesis, central argument or main point]
Body of Paper:
Middle School
1. Introductory paragraph
2. Supporting Arguments, Examples, Stories, Hadith, Quran, Scholarly views etc.
3. How would you apply the lessons learned to our daily life?
4. Conclusion paragraph
High School and College
1. Introductory paragraph
2. Supporting Arguments, Examples, Stories, Hadith, Quran, Scholarly views etc.
3. Anticipate potential counter arguments to your thesis.
4. Provide rebuttal for potential counter arguments.
5. Conclusion paragraph
Sources:
1. Primary sources such as Quran, Hadith and major texts (see Serah website)
2. Other books, articles, internet sources etc.
3. Plagarism is strictly prohibited, please see policy on website.
Page Format:
1. There is no definite restriction on paper length however average and recommended paper length is 5-7 pages.
2. 12 point font, double spaced.
Submission:
Paper must be submitted via email to: serah@gaflint.org
Purpose:
The underlying goal of every presentation is to inspire the reader or listener to love, revere and follow the Messenger of Allah (pbuh).
Publication of Accepted Papers
The papers selected as finalists will be presented at the Serah Competition.
More information here.
