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 Competitions

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MIST offers a variety of competition categories. Participants may register for one competition in each category.

Please refer to the nationals website for the official rulebook! This includes the MIST Bowl Topics, Knowledge Test Books, and Debate Topics. For the pilot competitions, refer to the 2026 Pilot Rulebook!

 

Category I: Knowledge & Quran

  • Read one of four books and take a test on it. The test consists of a set of questions and a possible essay portion to judge reading and comprehension.

  • 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 II: Art

  • 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 graphic design 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.

  • The Culinary Arts competition challenges students to produce original, unique culinary creations related to this year’s theme. Students will be judged on the taste, technique, presentation and originality of their culinary creations.

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 not for the faint-hearted. Delivering a coherent, engaging, and moving speech, is easy enough, right? Now try doing that on the spot with only 15 minutes of preparation!

  • Okay. So maybe a speech on the spot with little to no prep-time isn’t your cup of tea. However, you still enjoy public speaking. Welcome to Original Oratory. Competitors present a memorized original oration within a seven (7) minute period that is related to the theme. The speech must 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.

  • Love public speaking, but you’re more of the performer type? Spoken word is for you! Here’s your chance to convey your poetic passion and originality, all while inspiring those around you. It must relate to the theme and be memorized, all while dazzling the audience with your performing skills.

Category IV: Brackets

  • In this bracket competition, MIST competitors will be involved in a one on one, extemporaneous style discussion against one another. The competitors will debate with one another over one of the selected “debate topics,” which consists of a definitive statement (ex. “Affirmative Action provides a fair chance for students applying to colleges”). One of the competitors assumes the role of Affirmative, who argues in support of the debate topic, and the other competitor assumes the role of Negative, who argues against the debate topic. Both competitors are allowed structured timed slots to state their arguments, question one another, offer rebuttals, and then express their final thoughts on the topic.

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

  • Does the sound of a quiz bowl buzzer and recalling knowledge in seconds give you an adrenaline rush? Are you the student that knows a little bit of everything, from the geography of China, to the poetry of Rumi? Then MIST Quiz Bowl is the competition for you! The topics include are announced in the competitons' rule book (Go to the "All Forms & Links" Page under the "Resources" tab to access the rule book

  • 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 V: Group Projects

  • 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!

  • A new competition in partnership with Islamic Relief USA. Conduct a crowdfunding campaign for a global cause from scratch - how do you plan to reach ideal funders?

  • 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 VI: Sports

  • 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.

  • If dribbling past defenders, striking the ball clean, and feeling the roar of the crowd is your thing, the soccer competition is where brothers and sisters can let their passion run wild.

Category VII: E-Sports

  • Gaming icons clash in the ultimate brawl you can play at MIST! Compete against your peers in this ultimate showdown to prove who can smash!

  • The pitch is yours in this fast-paced FIFA showdown! Go head-to-head with your peers, score clutch goals, and prove you’ve got the skills to dominate the virtual field.

  • Minds collide on the board in a battle of pure strategy! Face off against your peers in intense chess matchups where every move matters and only the sharpest thinkers rise to the top.

  • Racers, start your engines! Drift, boost, and battle it out in chaotic Mario Kart races packed with items and nonstop fun. However, only one can cross the finish line first!