Nasheed 2026 (Virtual Competition)

Description

Proposal for Nasheed Competition – NYC

Objectives

1. Promote Islamic Values:
   To enhance understanding and appreciation of Islamic teachings by integrating them into the art of Nasheed, fostering a deeper connection with the core values of Islam through music. This objective aims to inspire participants and audiences to reflect on faith, morality, and spirituality.
2. Encourage Creativity:
   To provide a platform where children can showcase their creativity, allowing them to express their passion for Islamic culture and spirituality. This objective seeks to empower young minds to explore and create meaningful art while developing their artistic talents.
3. Address the Lack of Nasheeds in English:
   To bridge the gap in the availability of high-quality Nasheeds in the English language. This objective focuses on producing and promoting Nasheeds that are accessible to a broader audience, particularly in the west, enabling them to engage with Islamic music in their native language.
4. Foster Community Engagement:
   To unite children from various regions and backgrounds, promoting an inclusive atmosphere where participants can celebrate Islamic music together. This objective aims to strengthen community ties, create a sense of belonging, and encourage mutual respect and collaboration through shared cultural experiences.
5. Highlight Talents:
   To identify and showcase young, emerging Nasheed artists, offering them the opportunity to develop their skills and gain recognition within the broader Islamic artistic community. This objective seeks to nurture talent, inspire growth, and support the next generation of Islamic artists in the field of Nasheed.
6. Provide Educational Opportunities:
   To educate both participants and audiences about the rich history and cultural significance of Nasheed in Islamic tradition. This objective aims to deepen understanding of the role Nasheed plays in Islamic culture, from its spiritual roots to its contemporary expressions, fostering an appreciation of its importance in religious and artistic contexts.

Introduction

The Islamic Nasheed Competition aims to create a vibrant and engaging environment where young artists can showcase their talents in a manner that aligns with Islamic principles. Nasheed, a form of vocal music that typically features religious themes, serves as a powerful medium to convey messages of faith, love, and unity. This competition will not only highlight emerging talents but also encourage a deeper understanding of the values embodied in Nasheed.

Terms and Conditions

1. Eligibility:
   • The competition is open to Group 4 to Group 6 participants.
   • All other general entry criteria of NCC are applicable for this competition too.
2. Submission Guidelines:
   • Performances must adhere to Islamic values and not contain any inappropriate content.
   • Nasheedh should be predominantly in English. Arabic language can be included for about 30% of the contents.
   • All performances will be judged via submitted audios.
   • Interested participants should register by the stage competition closing date 26^th January 2026.
   • First round: Registered participants should first submit their Nasheedh in audio or video format by 15th February 2026.
   • Each submission should include the lyrics in text format and the meaning of any Arabic language included.
   • Method of submission: To the Google Drive. This link will be sent to the participants after the registration.
   • These submission will be checked by a panel of judges and decide whether they are good enough to be performed at the NCC.
   • Participants will be informed of the outcome by 28th February 2026 and if their work is selected they will be able to participate at the NCC finals.
3. Competition Format:
   • Selected participants will submit their recordings.
   • A panel of judges will evaluate performances based on the criteria above.
   • DURATION/TIME: Minimum 3 minutes and Maximum 5 Minutes.
   • Performers can have their printed lyrics in front/with them to refer to it time to time but constantly looking or not having significant level of eye contacts with audience will lead to loosing marks.

4. Background Music:
   • Light Background Music: Light background music is permitted and recommended, though it is not compulsory. The Music of the kind given in the examples below are acceptable.
   • Impact on Judging: Please be aware that while background music will not receive separate marks, it can still influence the overall performance and production of the Nasheed. As such, it may impact the judging process.
   • Groups 4 & 5: These groups are permitted to use existing (Group 4 can use existing lyrics and) tunes, as outlined in Clause 5 below. They may incorporate background music that accompanies these tunes.
   • Group 6: Participants in Group 6 are required to create their own original tune (as specified in Clause 5 below). If they wish to include background music, they must develop their own.
   • Recommended Music Styles: We encourage the use of vocals only or a cappella (music featuring only human voices without instrumental accompaniment). Alternatively, light background music using traditional instruments such as drums is also acceptable, as these are widely endorsed by mainstream Islamic scholars.
   • Approval of Background Music: The organisers reserve the right to determine the acceptability of the background music.
   • Submission Process: Background music must be submitted by 15th February 2026. If the submission is approved to advance to the NCC Finals, participants will be required to provide their background music in a separate, acceptable file format. The organizers will ensure the music is ready and played during the performance.

2. Guidelines for different groups:
   • Group 4 (School Year 7&8): Existing Nasheed can be performed as it is.
   • Group 5 (School Year 9&10): Nasheed contents should be owned by the participants. They cannot use exiting Nasheed contents but they can use such exiting tunes but the contents should be their own.
   • Group 6 (School Year 11 and above including adults participants): Nasheed contents and tune all should be owned by the participants. They cannot use exiting Nasheed contents or exiting tunes.
3. Judging Criteria:
   • Starting (10%): Dress Code, Greeting, Confidence (Use of stage & moves), good starting, interaction with audience.
   • CONTENTS (25%): Diction (Clear words lyrics), adhering to Islamic values, promoting the message of Islam / Islamic Themes.
   • RHYTHM (40%): Intonation: singing in the tune, vocal Quality, rhythmic “feel”, dynamics: volume from loud to soft.
   • PREPARATION (20%): Memorisation or familiarisation of contents, thoughtfulness and care, good choice of Nasheed for his/her voice.
   • FINISHING (5%): Within the TIME (Min 3 – Max 5 Minutes), ending with salam/thanking.
4. Some Examples:
   • One day by Safe Adam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q663ItjPxcU
   • Superhero II by Muad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY_acWu-IW8
   • Back to you by Siedd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t1k2W_sxtU
   • Mountains of Makkah by Zain Bhikha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYkkr-c4kIE
   • Number one for me by Maher Zain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4J7-WR1QOY
   • Prophet Yusuf by Muad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4TB9n1X23s
   • Not afraid to Stand Alone by native Deen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AhhNR6dCpg&ab_channel=nativedeen
5. Prizes:
   • Winners will receive trophies, certificates, and opportunities for future performances in various events we organise.
6. Copyright:
   • Participants retain ownership of their original compositions. However, by entering the competition, they grant the NCC organisers the right to use their performances for promotional purposes.
7. Conduct:
   • Participants are expected to maintain a respectful and professional demeanour throughout the competition.
   • Any form of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.
8. Changes to the Competition:
   • The NCC organisers reserve the right to modify the terms and conditions of the competition as necessary.
9. Acceptance of Terms:
   • By submitting an entry, participants agree to abide by all other terms and conditions of NCC outlined in this proposal as well as in other parts of NCC materials.