Introduction

Building on over eight years of successful Husayni Expressions Competitions, The Mainstay Foundation is proud to continue this tradition by hosting a national competition to showcase extraordinary talent and creativity in service of Imam Husayn (a). In its enhanced format, the Husayni Expressions Competition aims to provide an effective platform to inspire and encourage youth to utilize their creative talents to serve the Ahlulbayt (a). Be it a poem, portrait, latmiya, video presentation, or any other form of creativity, these expressions propagate the undying message of the Ahlulbayt (a) and empower communities to proudly follow and practice their message.

Contest Guidelines

• The expression must be related to Imam Husayn (a) or the events of Ashura, with the exception of the Holy Quran recitation.
• The four competition categories as listed below:
  • Presentations: Includes any form of recitation.
    • Example: Poetry, majalis, latmiya, ziyirat, speeches, etc.
  • Quran Recitation: Specifically for recitation of the Holy Quran.
  • Art: Includes paintings, drawings, crafts, papier-mâché, photography, etc.
    • Art pieces that are not permitted are any depiction of forms of the Ahlul bayt, such as, sculptures, painting/drawings with facial features, etc.
  • Video/ Technology: Includes any form of technology-based media.
    • Example: video recordings, time lapses, etc.
• To qualify for the contest, all contestants must attend the live event on Monday or Tuesday July 7 or 8. Which date you attend depends on the category you are participating in.
• There must be a minimum of 8 contestants in each age group/category.
• Judges will select one winner per age group per category.
• Every contestant will have up to 2 minutes to showcase his or her expression.
• A panel of qualified judges will evaluate and rank all expressions within each category.
• All winners will be announced and awarded at the end of the event.
• Up to $1,000 in prizes!
• Girls who are above the age of 8.5 participating in the presentation (latimyat, majlis, or ziyarat) or Quran recitation will present to a girls only panel of judges and audience.

Contest Rules

• Age Groups: 5-10 | 11-15 | 16-21
• Contestants: Individual or groups
• Registration: All interested contestants must register online (www.mainstay.us/husayni) no later than Saturday, July 5th at 11:59pm.
• Number of Contestants: Maximum of 6 contestants (or groups) per category and age group; registration is first-come, first-serve.

Event Information

• Date: July 07th and 08th, 2025
• Time:
  • July 7th, 2025
    • 04:00PM – 05:00PM | Girls only (Ages 9+ , Recitation only)
    • 05:00PM – 07:00PM | Doors open for all to join
  • July 8th, 2025
    • 04:00PM – 05:00PM | Girls only – Quran Recitation (Ages 9+ , Recitation only)
    • 05:00PM – 07:00PM | Doors open for all to join – Quran Recitation
• Venue: Bint Jebail Cultural Center (14201 Prospect St Bldg. 2, Dearborn, MI 48126)
• Attendance: Open to the public
• All contestants must be pre-registered; no exceptions!
• Light refreshments will be served.

For More Information

For event inquiries or more information, please contact Sister Zaynab Turki at zturki@mainstay.us or call us at (313) 505-5677.