USA Tamil NaduMuslims Association

Competitions

Review each competition, its available grade divisions, and any published topic guidance. Guidance personalized to your child's grade becomes available after you register, and can be viewed anytime via Check Status.

Communication

Impromptu Speaking
Communication
Competition summary

Impromptu Speaking is a limited-preparation public speaking event designed to test a competitor's ability to analyze a prompt, think on their feet, organize a clear argument, and deliver a polished presentation with minimal notice.

Eligible grade divisions

Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8

Rules
Overview: The participant gives a short speech about an unseen, age-appropriate topic. The competition tests clear thinking, organization, composure, and delivery with limited preparation time. Who can participate: * Grades 5–6 * Grades 7–8 Format: * The participant draws one topic from the available themes. * The participant can redraw once. * The redraw can be from any available theme. * After a redraw, the participant must use the new topic. The first topic cannot be restored. * The themes are revealed on the competition day. * Preparation takes place in the assigned supervised area. * The organizer provides one index card and one pencil. * The participant can use only that index card during the speech. * The speech starts when the participant says the first word. Time: * Preparation time, speech time, and timer signals depend on the participant's grade division. * Use the grade-specific information published with these rules. * The participant must finish when the red signal is shown. * Judges assess time only under the Time use criterion. They do not apply a separate time penalty. * A speech outside the published grade-specific evaluation range is not eligible for evaluation. Materials: The organizer provides: * Topic * Index card * Pencil * Timer signals * Speaking area The following items and assistance are not permitted after the topic draw: * Phones * Smart watches * Prepared notes * Reference materials * Help from another person Judging: Judges assess: 1. Idea development and relevance 2. Organization 3. Fluency and composure 4. Delivery 5. Time use * Each judge gives a whole-number score from 1 through 5 for each criterion. * The system calculates a weighted total out of 100. * Judges assess how effectively the participant develops and presents the response. * Judges do not score agreement with the participant's opinion. * Judges do not score accent unless it affects clarity. Ties: 1. Compare Idea development and relevance. 2. If the tie remains, compare Fluency and composure. 3. If the tie remains, compare Organization. 4. If the tie remains unresolved, the Results Controller records it for Event Director review. Conduct: * Participants must not discuss a drawn topic with participants who have not competed. * Participants must follow the Competition Lead and timekeeper instructions. * Participants must stay in the assigned preparation and competition areas.
Grade-specific exceptions

Grades 5-6

Preparation time: 2 minutes 30 seconds. Speech evaluation range: 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds. 🟒 Green: 1 minute 30 seconds. 🟑 Yellow: 2 minutes. πŸ”΄ Red: 2 minutes 30 seconds β€” the speaker must finish.

Grades 7-8

Preparation time: 3 minutes. Speech evaluation range: 2 to 3 minutes. 🟒 Green: 2 minutes. 🟑 Yellow: 2 minutes 30 seconds. πŸ”΄ Red: 3 minutes β€” the speaker must finish.
Public Speaking
Communication
Competition summary

Participants should come prepared to speak on one of the three announced topics.

Eligible grade divisions

Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8

Rules
Speech Guidelines: Participants should come prepared to speak on one of the three announced topics. The speech begins when the participant says their first word. Participants cannot use or refer to notes, hints, papers, or cue cards during the speech. Digital devices cannot be used for notes or assistance. Time Monitoring: Grade 1- 4 🟒 Green: 1 minute 🟑 Yellow: 1 minute 30 seconds πŸ”΄ Red: 2 minutes β€” the speaker must finish. Speeches less than 1 minute or longer than 2 minutes will not be considered for evaluation. Grades 5 – 8 🟒 Green: 2 minutes 🟑 Yellow: 2 minutes 30 seconds πŸ”΄ Red: 3 minutes β€” the speaker must finish. Speeches less than 2 minutes or longer than 3 minutes will not be considered for evaluation.
Grade-specific exceptions

No grade-specific exceptions are published.

Topic Guidance

Grades 1-2

  1. My Favorite Animal and Why I Like It
  2. The Importance of Being Kind
  3. The Importance of Saying Bismillah and Being Thankful to Allah

Grades 3-4

  1. A Person I Admire and Why
  2. The Importance of Respecting Parents in Islam
  3. Healthy Habits for a Happy Life 

Grades 5-6

  1. The Importance of Good Friendships
  2. Be a Leader, Not a Follower
  3. The Values of Honesty and Kindness in Islam

Grades 7-8

  1. The Impact of Social Media on Students
  2. The Importance of Leadership and Responsibility
  3. The Role of Faith and Good Character in Islam

Creative

Art
Creative
Competition summary

As-salamu alaykum Dear Parents, We are delighted to invite your children to take part in our Islamic Art & Architecture Competition β€” an opportunity for young artists to explore the beauty of Islamic heritage while deepening their connection to their faith and identity.

Eligible grade divisions

Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4

Rules
Overview: The competition is open to two categories: πŸ•‹ Level 1 β€” Grades 1 & 2 Theme: Makkah, the Sacred City Draw the Kaaba (Baytullah, the House of Allah) in Makkah. Keep it simple with just the Kaaba, or add a background such as Masjid al-Haram β€” whatever suits your skill level. Pay close attention to the Kaaba's shape and colors. The goal is to express your love for this sacred city. πŸ•Œ Level 2 β€” Grades 3 & 4 Theme: Madinah, the City of the Prophet ο·Ί Draw Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Focus on its best-known features β€” the Green Dome, the minarets, and the arches. You may add a background such as the sky, palm trees, or the courtyard. Pay attention to shape, proportion, and color. The goal is to express your love and respect for the blessed city of Madinah. We look forward to seeing your children's creativity and enthusiasm. Who can participate: Grade 1 & 2 , Grade 3 & 4 Format: Time limit: 1 Hour What to bring: 1. Pencils 2. Eraser 3. Ruler 4. Color Pencils 5. Sketches What we provide: 1. Paper Size A3 Allowed: 1. Pencils 2. Eraser 3. Ruler 4. Color Pencils 5. Sketches Not allowed: 1. Watercolor 2. Acrylic Painting 3. Oil pastels How judging works: Special instructions: Paper will be provided, To ensure a smooth experience, please bring the necessary materials: pencils (bring several), a ruler, an eraser, and any other sketching supplies. Please note that oil pastels, watercolors, and acrylic paints are strictly prohibited.
Grade-specific exceptions

No grade-specific exceptions are published.

Topic Guidance

Grades 1-2

πŸ•‹ Level 1 β€” Grades 1 & 2
Theme: Makkah, the Sacred City

Draw the Kaaba (Baytullah, the House of Allah) in Makkah. Keep it simple with just the Kaaba, or add a background such as Masjid al-Haram β€” whatever suits your skill level. Pay close attention to the Kaaba's shape and colors. The goal is to express your love for this sacred city.


Grades 3-4

πŸ•Œ Level 2 β€” Grades 3 & 4
Theme: Madinah, the City of the Prophet ο·Ί

Draw Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. 

Focus on its best-known features β€” the Green Dome, the minarets, and the arches. You may add a background such as the sky, palm trees, or the courtyard. Pay attention to shape, proportion, and color. The goal is to express your love and respect for the blessed city of Madinah.

We look forward to seeing your children's creativity and enthusiasm.

Calligraphy
Creative
Competition summary

As-salamu alaykum, Dear Parents, A beautiful opportunity to bring our children into a more holistic way of learning β€” nurturing mind, hand, and heart together. Through the letters of the Holy Quran, students build artistic skill while deepening their connection with the Creator.

Eligible grade divisions

Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8

Rules
Overview: A beautiful opportunity to bring our children into a more holistic way of learning β€” nurturing mind, hand, and heart together. Through the letters of the Holy Qur'an, students build artistic skill while deepening their connection with the Creator. Judging Criteria: * Clear, correctly formed letters * Spacing, balance, and consistency * Color coordination * Clean background and presentation * Creativity and originality Medium: 1. Pencils 2. Colored Pencils 3. Sketch Pens 4. Eraser 5. Ruler Who can participate: * Grade 5-6 * Grade 7-8 Format: Time limit: 1 Hour What to bring: 1. Pencils 2. Colored Pencils 3. Sketch Pens 4. Eraser 5. Ruler What we provide: 1. Paper Size A3 Allowed: 1. Pencils 2. Colored Pencils 3. Sketch Pens 4. Eraser 5. Ruler Not allowed: 1. Acrylic Painting 2. Oil pastel 3. Watercolor How judging works: * Clear, correctly formed letters * Spacing, balance, and consistency * Color coordination * Clean background and presentation * Creativity and originality Not permitted 1. Watercolors 2. Paints 3. Crayons All work must be completed at the venue β€” pre-drawn or traced designs will not be accepted.
Grade-specific exceptions

Grades 5-6

Arabic Calligraphy Competition β€” Grades 5 & 6 Task: Write Ψ§Ω„Ω„Ω‡ Ψ£ΩƒΨ¨Ψ± (Allahu Akbar) in calligraphy form on the A3 sheet provided. Judging Criteria * Clarity & Correctness β€” letters accurate, neat, readable, and properly formed * Style & Alignment β€” consistent letter style, good spacing and balance * Color Coordination β€” colors match well and enhance the artwork * Background & Presentation β€” clean, attractive background that supports the calligraphy * Creativity β€” originality and overall artistic presentation Provided at the venue * A3 paper Bring your own * Pencil * Eraser * Ruler * Color markers * Sketch pens Not permitted * Watercolors * Paints * Crayons All work must be completed at the venue β€” pre-drawn or traced designs will not be accepted.

Grades 7-8

Arabic Calligraphy Competition β€” Grades 7 & 8 Task: Write Ψ³Ψ¨Ψ­Ψ§Ω† Ψ§Ω„Ω„Ω‡ (Subhan Allah) in calligraphy on the A3 sheet provided at the venue. Judged on: * Clarity & Correctness β€” accurate, neat, readable letterforms * Style & Alignment β€” consistent style, spacing, and balance * Color Coordination β€” colors that complement and enhance the work * Background & Presentation β€” clean, attractive background supporting the calligraphy * Creativity β€” originality and overall artistic impact Provided: A3 paper Bring: pencil, eraser, ruler, color markers, sketch pens Not allowed: watercolors, paints, crayons Rule: All work must be done on-site β€” pre-drawn or traced designs will be disqualified.
Topic Guidance

Grades 5-6

Arabic Calligraphy Competition β€” Grades 5 & 6


Task: Write Ψ§Ω„Ω„Ω‡ Ψ£ΩƒΨ¨Ψ± (Allahu Akbar) in calligraphy form on the A3 sheet provided.


Judging Criteria

  • Clarity & Correctness β€” letters accurate, neat, readable, and properly formed
  • Style & Alignment  β€”   consistent letter style, good spacing and balance
  • Color Coordination β€” colors match well and enhance the artwork
  • Background & Presentation β€” clean, attractive background that supports the calligraphy
  • Creativity β€” originality and overall artistic presentation

Provided at the venue:

  • A3 paper

Bring your own:

  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Color markers
  • Sketch pens

Not allowed:

  • Watercolors
  • Paints
  • Crayons

All work must be completed at the venue β€” pre-drawn or traced designs will not be accepted.

Grades 7-8

Arabic Calligraphy Competition β€” Grades 7 & 8


Task: Write Ψ³Ψ¨Ψ­Ψ§Ω† Ψ§Ω„Ω„Ω‡ (Subhan Allah) in calligraphy on the A3 sheet provided at the venue.


Judged on:

  • Clarity & Correctness β€” accurate, neat, readable letterforms
  • Style & Alignment β€” consistent style, spacing, and balance
  • Color Coordination β€” colors that complement and enhance the work
  • Background & Presentation β€” clean, attractive background supporting the calligraphy
  • Creativity β€” originality and overall artistic impact

Provided at the venue:

  • A3 paper

Bring your own:

  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Color markers
  • Sketch pens

Not allowed:

  • Watercolors
  • Paints
  • Crayons

All work must be completed at the venue β€” pre-drawn or traced designs will not be accepted.

Faith

Qira'at
Faith
Competition summary

Our Qiraat Competition is organized to encourage participants to recite the Holy Quran with correct Tajweed, clear pronunciation, and confidence. The event provides a platform for children to develop their recitation skills, strengthen their connection with the Quran, and appreciate its beauty. β€œRecite the Quran slowly and distinctly”- Quran 73:4 β€œBeautify the Quran with your voices.” β€” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Eligible grade divisions

Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8

Rules
Eligibility: This competition is for Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 8. Competition Levels: kindergarten. Level 1: Grades 1 & 2. Level 2: Grades 3 & 4. Level 3: Grades 5 & 6. Level 4: Grades 7 & 8. Topic/Theme: A list of surahs for each level will be provided at least three weeks before the event day. Participants should choose one from the list. Time Limit KG: Maximum of 2 minutes. Grade 1-4: Maximum of 2 minutes. Grade 5-8: Maximum of 4 minutes. Items that are not allowed: Reference Material, Quran Mushaf, Electronic Devices. Judging Criteria: Tajweed Pronunciation Fluency Presentation Additional criteria at the judges' discretion. General Rules: All participants will recite on stage. Recitations must be from memory; those who use reference material will not be evaluated. Each recitation must be completed within the given time limit (no extra time).
Grade-specific exceptions

Grades 1-2

Maximum time limit: 2 minutes No extra time will be allowed.

Grades 3-4

Maximum time limit: 2 minutes No extra time will be allowed.

Grades 5-6

Maximum time limit: 4 minutes No extra time will be allowed.

Grades 7-8

Maximum time limit: 4 minutes No extra time will be allowed.

Kindergarten

Maximum time limit: 2 minutes
Topic Guidance

Grades 1-2

Choose one Surah from the list.

  1. Al-Quraysh
  2. An-Nasr
  3. Al-Qadr

Grades 3-4

Choose one Surah from the list.

  1. Al-Zalzalah
  2. Al-Bayyinah
  3. Al-Humazah

Grades 5-6

Choose one Surah from the list.

  1. Ash-Shams
  2. Al-Qariah
  3. Al-Balad

Grades 7-8

Choose one Surah from the list.
  1. Al-Fajr
  2. Al-Infitar
  3. Al-Inshiqaq

Kindergarten

Choose one Surah from the List.

  1. An-Nas
  2. Al-Falaq
  3. Al-Ikhlas

Knowledge

Quiz
Knowledge
Competition summary

Assalamu alaikkum Dear Parents, The Quiz Competition will bring together Mathematics, Science, and Islamic Studies in an engaging and exciting quiz for students in Grades 1–8. The quiz will consist of Math and Islamic studies for Grades 1-4 and Math, Science and Islamic studies for Grade 5-8. The competition aims to encourage students to enhance their knowledge, strengthen their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and deepen their understanding of Islamic valuesβ€”all while learning and having fun in a friendly, competitive environment. Grades 1 & 2 --> Islamic Studies & Mathematics Grades 3 & 4--> Islamic Studies & Mathematics Grades 5 & 6-->Islamic Studies, Science & Mathematics Grades 7 & 8-->Islamic Studies, Science & Mathematics

Eligible grade divisions

Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8

Rules
Overview: A fun and exciting quiz competition designed to test students knowledge, critical thinking, and understanding across Math, Science, and Islamic Studies. Who can participate: Students in Grades 1-8 who are registered for the competition. Quiz Format: The quiz will consist of multiple-choice questions covering Math, Science, and Islamic Studies. Questions will be age-appropriate and based on the designated topics for each grade level. The competition will consist entirely of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). There will be only one correct answer for each question. Participants must select only one answer per question. Time limit: 1. All participants will have 30-35 minutes to complete the quiz and applies to all grades 2. Participants must stop writing immediately when instructed by the quiz officials. Answers written after the time has been called may not be considered for scoring. 3. Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 will have a total of 25 questions. 4. Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 will have a total of 30 questions. Mathematics questions will focus on understanding, problem-solving, and application of concepts. Calculators are not permitted. Mathematics questions will therefore be designed so that calculations can reasonably be completed without a calculator within the allotted competition time. Science questions will focus on age-appropriate scientific knowledge, understanding, and application of concepts. What to bring: Students should bring a pencil/pen and any required personal items. All other materials needed for the quiz will be provided. What we provide: Question sheets, answer sheets, and all necessary materials for conducting the quiz will be provided by the organizers. Allowed: Students may use only the materials specifically permitted by the organizers. Students should follow all instructions given by the quiz coordinators. Not allowed: No phones, smartwatches, calculators, books, notes, or other electronic/reference materials will be allowed during the quiz unless specifically permitted by the organizers. Communication with other participants during the quiz is not allowed. How judging works: Each correct answer is worth 1 point. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Unanswered questions will receive 0 points. Questions with more than one answer selected will receive 0 points. Participants will be ranked according to their total score. The three highest-ranking participants in each group will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, subject to the tie-breaker procedure when necessary. In case of a tie, a tie-breaker round or additional questions may be used to determine the final ranking. Special instructions: Students should listen carefully to all instructions before the quiz begins and remain quiet and respectful throughout the competition. Once the quiz starts, answers cannot be changed after the allotted time has ended. Participants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and fairness throughout the competition. General Rules The organizing committee reserves the right to interpret, modify, or clarify these rules when necessary. Any important changes or clarifications will be communicated to participants before the competition begins. Participants are responsible for following all instructions provided by the quiz officials on competition day. By participating in the Quiz Competition, participants agree to abide by these rules and accept the decisions of the judges and organizing committee. We wish all our participants the very best! 🌟 May Allah guide you, Ameen. Prepare well, do your best, and most importantly, enjoy the competition!
Grade-specific exceptions

No grade-specific exceptions are published.

Topic Guidance

Grades 1-2

Islamic Quiz topic

  1. Allah is the Creator 
  2. The 5 Pillars of Islam
  3. The 5 Daily Prayers
  4. Pillars of Eeman 
  5. Prophet Muhammad (saws) 


Math Quiz topics

  1. Addition
  2. Subtraction
  3. Basic word problems
  4. Shapes
  5. Comparing numbers
  6. Telling time


Grades 3-4

Islamic Quiz topic

  1. The Prayer 
  2. Adam (as)
  3. Taharah & Wudhu - Purity
  4. Surah Kawthar 
  5. Surah al Masad - Prophet (saws ) when he openly called people to Islam


Math Quiz topics
  1. Multiplication
  2. Division
  3. Fractions
  4. Decimals
  5. Word problems
  6. Area
  7. Perimeter

Grades 5-6

Islamic Quiz topic

  1. Tawheed 
  2. Messengers & their books 
  3. Aakirah
  4. Surah Al Teen 
  5. Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon Him)'s childhood
  6. Prophet Yunus ( Peace be upon Him) 
  7. Etiquette of conversation 
  8. Bilal (ra)


Math Quiz topics
  1. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions
  2. Ratios
  3. Area
  4. Volume
  5. Geometry
  6. Word problems

Science Quiz topics

  1. Matter and its properties
  2. Physical and chemical changes
  3. Plants and animals
  4. Ecosystems and food webs
  5. Water cycle
  6. Weather and climate
  7. Energy
  8. Gravity
  9. Earth and space science

Grades 7-8

Islamic Quiz topic

  1. Attributes of Allah
  2. The Friday prayer
  3. Patient (Sabr)
  4. Surah At- Tariq
  5. Prophet (saw) The Hijrah
  6. Prophet Yusuf (as)
  7. Backbiting 
  8. Aisha (ra)


Math Quiz topic
  1. Percentages
  2. Probability
  3. Geometry
  4. Expressions and equations
  5. Word problems

Science Quiz topics
  1. Cells and body systems
  2. Ecosystems
  3. Genetics and inheritance
  4. Atoms and molecules
  5. Chemical reactions
  6. Forces and motion
  7. Energy
  8. Waves, light, and sound
  9. Earth and space science
  10. Solar system