• Read one of four books and take a test on it. The test comprises of a set of multiple choice and short answer questions to judge reading, comprehension, and analytical abilities.

  • Test your memorization and recitation of the Quran in Arabic, according to Tajweed (rules of recitation). Level 1 is for beginners, while Levels 2 and 3 are for more advanced competitors.

  • Test your recitation of the Quran in Arabic, according to Tajweed (Rules of Recitation).

Category I: Knowledge & Quran

  • Are you an aspiring painter? Do you doodle more than writing notes in class? Put your inspiration on canvas with the 2D art competition!

  • Think you have what it takes to be the next great sculptor? Is clay your ultimate inspiration? Show us your skills in the 3D art competition.

  • You don’t just love fashion, you design it! Get inspired by the MIST theme to become the next fashion phenomenon.

  • If you’re the Photoshop or Illustrator whiz that everyone goes to for event flyers, the digital art competition is for you. Pixelate away!

  • Not only do you carry around your camera with you all the time, but you see everything as an opportunity for the perfect photo. Those other artists, yeah, they’re cool - but you prefer a lens and the dark room for your creative pursuits.

Category II: Art

Category III: Writing & Oratory

  • Competitors are allotted 60 minutes to compose a handwritten essay on a randomly selected topic related to the theme.

  • The art of extemporaneous speaking is for those who can always make conversation. Delivering a coherent, engaging, and moving speech is easy enough, right? Now try doing that on the spot with only 15 minutes of preparation!

  • Competitors present a memorized original oration within a seven (7) minute period. The oration must relate back to the theme, but also be applicable to a general audience.

  • Competitors must submit an original piece of poetry never before published within a 40 line limit. The piece must clearly relate back to the theme, but also be applicable to a general audience.

  • Have you been inspired by this year’s MIST theme? The prepared essay competition is perfect if you’re looking for an outlet. This is your chance to be creative and persuade us on the significance of your chosen topic. Share the passion!

  • Competitors are to submit an original work of fiction no longer than 10 pages that relates to the theme and can also be applied to a competitor-defined target audience. Illustrations are permitted for younger intended audiences.

  • If you’re more of the performer type of a poet, then spoken word is for you! Here’s your chance to convey your passion and originality, all while inspiring those around you.

  • Are you great at winning arguments? Do you have the poise of a public speaker and the convincing tone of a scholar? Join debate to compete with others who are just like you.

  • Think you have what it takes for the olympics? Earn the title of true Math Olympian in this intense battle of numbers.

  • Do you get an adrenaline rush at knowing the answer to any question asked? Are you a memorization whiz? Then MIST quiz bowl is the competition for you!

  • This competition is a fun way to display your creativity under spontaneous and timed circumstances. Each team must impress the judges in various hypothetical scenarios while under pressure to think on their feet and make the audience laugh!

Category IV: Brackets

  • This competition encourages you to think about the business world, become a philanthropist, and market your own products. Familiarize yourself with modern trends and market values, while developing your own fantastic product or service!

  • Work with Islamic Relief USA to conduct a crowdfunding campaign for a global cause from scratch. How would YOU reach ideal funders to help a cause you are passionate about?

  • Calling all aspiring singers! The nasheed/ rap category is ideal for anyone who desires to write unique lyrics and use their singing skills to capture people’s attention about topics they are passionate about.

  • Are you an aspiring scientist? Do you love research? Then this competition is for you! Design, conduct and share the results of your own study to a panel of esteemed judges. Don’t forget to use the scientific method!

  • Showcase your editing, directing, and acting skills! Make a documentary, drama, comedy, thriller or animation to convey a particular message to the audience while relating your film to the MIST theme.

  • Are you a whiz with media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok? Have you started either reading or seeing more blogs? Take your online social habits to the next level by creating a social media presence for your MIST team!

Category V: Group Projects

  • If shooting hoops and hearing your sneakers squeak on the court is your thing, basketball is the perfect sport to get your blood pumping and adrenaline rushing.

Category VI: Sports

  • Competitors and spectators had a blast last year, so we had to bring it back!

  • Due to popular demand, we worked hard to bring soccer to MIST 2026!

Pilot Comps

Things to Keep in mind:

You can ONLY compete in 1 competition PER category! You are allowed to compete in all categories

E.g: You can't compete in 2D AND 3D art, or Poetry AND Short Fiction

You cannot have basketball as your only competition

You MUST compete in at least 1 competition ALONG with Basketball!

Pilot Comps are NOT offered at the National level, and as such, winners do NOT advance to MIST Nationals. Pilots count towards overall individual rankings, but in the event of a tie, they will be considered lower ranked than those that are offered nationally.

Certain competitions will be offered in levels.

Quran Memorization has Level 1, 2, 3, etc.

Certain competitions will have early submission deadlines.
This mean a competition you may have registered for expects a submission BEFORE MIST! Review rulebook