1.   Essays should provide in-depth analysis of current and emerging challenges that will be faced by the community and the factors underlying them.  In particular, essays should discuss the consequences of these challenges – consequences which are already being felt and which could be expected in future. There should be both breadth and depth in discussing how Muslim youths can be involved in helping the community so as to meet present and future challenges. Essays should also be written such that they are accessible to a wide audience, and therefore not meant to be academic 'journal-style' papers.

2.   The essays must be original in content. Entries found to contain plagiarism will automatically be disqualified. Although essays may draw on existing work, they should be materially different from them in terms of analysis, style of arguments, perspectives, or conclusions. This could involve the application of previous work in a different context, or new analysis or perspectives significantly different from previous work. A bibliography acknowledging references to existing work is required. 

3.   All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form, signed by the author. For joint authorship, only one entry form is  required. Submission on behalf of an institution or firm is not permitted.

4.    Members of the judging committee (and their immediate family members) are not eligible to enter the essay competition.

5.    Entries must be in English and typed double-spaced on one side of each sheet of paper. Essay should be within 3,000 words (Pre-University category) and 4,000 words (University category). This excludes charts, tables, footnotes, references and appendices. A summary of no more than 300 words highlighting the main points of the essay must also be provided.