Seven winners of research contest on the Prophet named

Dubai: Seven winners have been selected out of 3,500 entries submitted in an international research paper competition on the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), launched by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (DIACAD).

The research contest required participants to focus on the various ways in which the Prophet displayed mercy towards others and the kind treatment enjoyed by non-Muslims living under Muslim rule, said the organisers.

First place went to Mihrin and Maryam Iqbal from Canada who also surveyed numerous Muslim youths to find out their views and knowledge about the Prophet of Islam.

Also included in their essay are recommendations for creating awareness about the Prophet and Islam.

Their essay titled: "Prophet Mohammad (PBUH): A Mercy for Children/Efforts towards Shaping Humanity" will be translated into Arabic and formatted in book form, after which it will be distributed in schools.

Different faiths

Research papers by Abdul Kassim Ahmad Mansoor from Pakistan and Shahin Shakil from the US were ranked second and third respectively.

An eight-member judging panel comprising scholars from the charitable department evaluated the papers based on originality and creativity.

Submissions were received from 11 countries including Mexico, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt, Sudan and South Africa.

The writing competition was part of the campaign titled: "Mercy for the World Campaign" initiated by the charitable department, Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre and Al Huda International, a Canadian Muslim education centre.

The campaign aimed to promote a better understanding of Islam and create a platform for constructive dialogue among followers of different faiths.

"In recent years, the image of Islam has been misrepresented in the media. Through this campaign we are trying to emphasise that teachings of Islam are based on justice and compassion towards others," said Eman Esmail Abdullah, campaign manager.