Essay contest on 'Muhammad, Messenger of Peace' announced.

MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos Centre for Islamic Culture, Diwan of Royal Court, (Islamic Information Centre) has invited essays on 'Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) - Messenger of Peace'.

According to the organisers, the essay is open to people of all faiths living in Oman and should be in English, and within 1,200 words.

The essays can be sent to grouppositive@yahoo.com/grouppositive@hotmail.com or islamicentre@yahoogroups.com.

There will be four categories, wherein a contestant can participate: Under-16 years (Muslims)/Under-16 years (Non-Muslims)/Above 16 years (Muslims)/Above 16 years (Non-Muslims).

While submitting the essay, the contestants should provide their names, postal address, e-mail IDs, telephone contacts, and the category. The last date for submission is June 10.

Three cash prizes (RO400, RO200 and RO100) in each category are up for grabs. The prizes will be given at a function to be held at the lecture hall of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

The Internet is replete with information about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The contest has a guideline - the essay should be original, and the material should not be lifted from Internet or other media sources. However, contestants have been given the flexibility of using the material with proper references.

A panel of prominent scholars has been nominated to evaluate the essays. Since Ramadan falls in August, the winners will be felicitated in September. According to the organisers, the contestants are free to scan the Net but they should be careful as there are sites giving wrong information as well.

Mufarji, one of the co-ordinators and a prominent Omani scholar, says, "Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) is an amazing personality whose teachings are is relevant for all time.

He is the prophet of all mankind and not just Muslims as some believe. The greatest benefactor of all mankind and if we follow his teachings in the right way the world can attain peace. So, there is an opportunity for people to learn about his true teachings.'

A panel of prominent scholars has been nominated to evaluate the essays. Since Ramadan falls in August the winners will be felicitated at a grand function in the month of September.

There are thousands of volumes written on prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and his Seerah and the contestants are free to refer to any of them except that they cannot directly lift the text but can quote by giving references whenever necessary.

Among some of the references are: The Life of the Prophet Muhammad by Ibn Kathir vol. 1, The Sealed Nectar by Mubarakpuri, When the Moon Split by Mubarakpuri, The Jurisprudence of the Prophetic Biography by Buti, Mohammed Rasulullah by Nadwi, Mohammed by Emerick, In the Footsteps of the Prophet by Ramadan, Mohammed: His Life based on the Earliest sources by Martin Lings, Sirat-un-Nabi by Nu'mani vol. 1, Life of Mohammed from the earliest sources by Martin Lings,A and The 100: A Ranking of the most Influential Persons in History by Michael Hart.

According to the organisers, 'these are some of the references which the contestants may refer to but they are free to scan the Net but they should be careful as there are false sites as well.'

Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC 2011

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