We are excited to invite all children and teens aged 7-18 to participate in our first ever **Muharram Young Creators Contest**! This special competition commemorates the sadness of Muharram and the tragedy of Karbala, through the creative expressions of our youth. Participants have the opportunity to either write and perform poetry or create an art piece that reflects their understanding and feelings about Muharram.

Our generous sponsors, The Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust also have a special category focussing on sustainability.

In total there are 7 categories, each with a £150 prize for the winner and £50 prize for the runner up!

All candidates submitting a project should be available on Saturday the 11th August for the final presentation day where the judges will view all artwork and poets or those submitting sustainability projects will be expected to perform their poems for the judges. The judges will make a decision on winners and runner ups for all categories on the 11th August.  

The theme for the poetry and art categories is “Muharram: Reflections of Courage and Sacrifice.” Participants are encouraged to explore the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of Muharram and express their interpretations through their chosen medium.

The theme for the LFT special category is Muharram: A chance to make a meaningful environmental change that Imam Husayn AS can be happy with.

– Write an original poem that reflects the theme.

– The poem should be between 20 to 40 lines.

– Record a video of yourself performing the poem. The performance should not exceed 3 minutes.

– Ensure the video is clear, with good audio quality.

-Include a brief description (150-200 words) explaining the poem and how it relates to the theme.

– Create an original art piece (drawing, painting, collage, digital art, etc.) that illustrates the theme.

– The artwork can be in any medium but should be on a canvas or paper.

– Submit a high-resolution photograph or scan of the artwork.

– Include a brief description (150-200 words) explaining the artwork and how it relates to the theme.

– After watching the LFT’s water project in Iraq video, design an educational campaign aimed at promoting the reduction of single- use plastics at large gatherings. Include posters, social media strategies, and educational materials.

– This is one category and open to all youth aged 7-18 years old

– Include a brief description (150-200 words) explaining the project and how it relates to the theme

  – Creativity and originality

  – Relevance to the theme

  – Clarity and expression in the performance

  – Overall impact

  – Creativity and originality

  – Relevance to the theme

  – Artistic technique and execution

  – Overall impact

– Creativity and originality

– Relevance to the theme and target audience

– How educational is the campaign?

– Overall  impact

1. Visit our submission page at: https://sicm.org.uk/creators-submit
   
2. This link will be open from 9am on the 18th July and close at 5pm on the 28th July
3. Complete the submission form with your details.
4. Upload your poem video or artwork photograph/scan.
5. Submit your entry by the deadline.
6. Save the date 11th August 3-8pm, further details will be included for those candidates who are shortlisted to the final stage

If you have any problems attaching your video/photos please email them to children@sicm.org.uk

Please still fill out the form and include your full name and parents name in the email. 

For any questions or further information, please contact us at children@sicm.org.uk or visit our website at https://sicm.org.uk

An alcohol ink artist and Arabic calligrapher who discovered her love for art back in 2017 as a form of art therapy and healing journey to re-discover myself. I am also a pharmacist by profession and mother of two girls. 

She creates unique, colourful and vibrant artworks using alcohol inks, a fluid medium that creates beautiful shapes and patterns as it dries. She works on various mediums, such a Nara paper, canvas and Ceramics. She often adds islamic calligraphy to her pieces, to add beauty and act as an uplifting spiritual reminder of our devotion to our creator. Lately she enjoys running workshops to teach alcohol inks as a form of expressive art.

Rya is the owner of RH Art and Design. She is a Swedish/Iraqi qualified pharmacist and artist who lives in London, UK. She grew up in an artistic family and has always dreamt of becoming an artist. Her main focus is on Islamic Shia art because she believes as a Shia Muslim, we have to use our talents to serve and spread the message of Islam and Ahul Bayt (AS) uniquely.

Dr Hussein Al-Fazly, is a doctor working at Watford General Hospital. He is well versed in the Thuluth script of Classical Arabic calligraphy. He focuses on the use of Quranic verses and their meanings to inspire calligraphic designs

Since young, Mohammed Abbas enjoyed everything to do with words and writes poetry whenever he gets the chance. 

He studied English Literature at university and then completed his PGCE and Masters. He currently works as a Deputy Headteacher in a school in London and recites poetry for the Ahlulbayt when the opportunity arises.

Zahra Ismail (Radiance Poetry) has had a passion for poetry since her childhood. She focuses primarily on spoken word poetry, seeking to reflect on life and our journey to Allah (swt). She is also a mum of 2, an optometrist and a Quran teacher.

Zena Kazeme is a Persian-Iraqi poet and spoken word artist based in London. Her work blends personal narratives with cultural history, focusing on identity, memory, displacement, and belonging. Her poetry has been featured in anthologies and podcasts like Zodiac Young Poets, Amos Trust’s Words of Hope, and Varsity Cambridge. She has headlined events such as the Greenbelt Festival, Palestine Solidarity Gala, and Choose Love Christmas Show. She also freelances as a broadcaster for BBC Radio 2 and facilitates poetry workshops, using her experiences as a former refugee to inspire her work.

Registered Charity: BW Foundation.  Charity Number: 1121549