Legacy 1500 Essay Challenge
National Essay Challenge for South African University Students
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example (uswatun ḥasanah) for whoever hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” — Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21)DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
12th September 2025 - Final submission date (closing date)
Prizes
This initiative is a call to engage with the Prophetic legacy through thoughtful writing — inspired by his life as a mercy and model.
Beyond prizes, this is a tribute to truth, ethics, and a world transformed by his example.
1st Prize
Umrah Ticket for one
includes R15000 cash
Certificate of Excellence
2nd Prize
R10,000 cash
Gift hamper
Certificate of Distinction
3rd Prize
R5,000 cash +
Gift hamper +
Certificate of Merit
Honourable Mentions (x7): R1,000 book vouchers + Certificates of Recognition
Introduction
1500 Legacy Essay Challenge
It is our privilege to introduce you to one of the flagship intellectual initiatives of the 1500 Years of the Prophetic Legacy Commemoration — the National Essay Challenge for South African University Students.
In 2025, we mark 1500 lunar years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This is more than a historical milestone; it is an invitation for critical reflection on his enduring legacy. The essay challenge forms part of a broader national programme that includes exhibitions, conferences, youth events, and public scholarship — all designed to reconnect us with the moral, civilisational, and transformative message of the Prophet ﷺ.
Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students at South African tertiary institutions regardless of faith, gender, or creed. The challenge calls on participants to engage one of three powerful essay topics. These topics address urgent contemporary issues all through a Prophetic lens. Each topic invites thoughtful, ethical, and original writing that reflects the Prophet’s mission as a mercy to all of creation.
Essays must be between 2000 to 2500 words and will be judged on relevance, originality, coherence argumentation, use of sources, language, and ethical depth. Prizes include substantial cash awards, publication opportunities, and public recognition at a special symposium.
Let us work together to ensure this moment becomes a national awakening of critical Muslim thought, inspired by 1500 years of Prophetic light.
Topics
The competition calls on participants to engage one of three powerful essay topics.
These topics address urgent contemporary issues and civilisational contributions of Islam.
All through a Prophetic lens. Each topic invites thoughtful, ethical, and original writing that reflects the Prophet’s ﷺ mission as a mercy to all creation.
Topic 1
1500 Years of Mercy: The Enduring Civilisational Contribution of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Humanity
Focus: Framing the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ as a force for global good, this topic encourages students to reflect on the Prophet’s contribution to universal values—social justice, religious tolerance, environmental consciousness, and minority rights—and how these principles continue to shape civilisations and uplift humanity in diverse contexts today.
Topic 2
Islam in Minority Contexts: Upholding the Prophetic Legacy in South Africa and Beyond
Focus: This topic invites reflections on how Muslim communities in South Africa and other minority settings have upheld the values of the Prophet ﷺ—particularly justice, compassion, service, and resilience—while contributing meaningfully to pluralistic societies. It asks how these communities can build on this legacy in the face of contemporary challenges.
Topic 3
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Empowerment of the Marginalised: Lessons for a Fragmented World
Focus: This essay focuses on how the Prophet ﷺ elevated the downtrodden—slaves, women, orphans, the poor—and fostered inclusive community-building. Students are encouraged to explore the relevance of this aspect of his legacy in addressing today’s global inequalities, racism, poverty, and social exclusion, especially within post-apartheid South Africa.
Requirements
Eligibility:
- Open to all registered undergraduate and graduate students at South African tertiary institutions.
- No restriction on gender, faith or creed.
- Proof of current tertiary registration is required upon submission.
Essay Requirements:
Length: 2000 to 2500 words
Language: English (use of Arabic terms permitted with explanation or translation)
Originality: Essays must be original, unpublished, and free of any form of plagiarism.
Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12pt font (Arial ), submitted in PDF format.
General theme: Essays must centre on the general theme “1500 Years of the Prophetic Legacy” and must address the chosen topic.
Referencing style: Harvard
Submission & Deadline:
Deadline: 12th September 2025 – Final submission date (closing date)
Email submissions to: [email protected]
Subject line: Legacy 1500 Essay – Full Name – Topic Title
Include a scanned copy of your student registration card or letter of registration.
General Notes:
Winners will be invited to personally present or have their essay narrated at a finale on 4 October 2025. The judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the results.
| Criteria | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance to theme & chosen topic | Clarity and depth in addressing one of the three proposed topics and linking it to the Prophetic legacy. | 15 |
| Argument, Logical flow & insight | Strength of argument, originality of ideas, and critical engagement with the topic. | 25 |
| Use of sources | Effective integration of primary Islamic sources (Qur'an, Hadith), relevant historical references, and scholarly perspectives. | 15 |
| Structure & organisation | Logical flow, coherent structure, and effective introduction and conclusion. | 15 |
| Language & style | Clarity of expression, grammar, punctuation, and engaging writing style. | 10 |
| Ethical & reflective depth | Demonstration of values such as compassion, justice, humility, and truthfulness rooted in the Prophetic tradition. | 10 |
| Formatting & adherence to guidelines | Compliance with submission requirements, word count, and referencing. | 10 |
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the submitted essays are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the organisers, judges, or affiliated committees of the 1500 Years of Prophetic Legacy Essay Challenge. While all efforts are made to ensure respectful, authentic, and responsible engagement with Islamic history and tradition, the organisers are not liable for factual inaccuracies or interpretative positions taken by contributors.
Submissions must be the original work of the entrant and free from plagiarism.
Any plagiarised or AI-generated content may result in disqualification. By submitting an essay, entrants grant the organizers non-exclusive rights to publish, archive, or showcase their work (with due credit) for educational and promotional purposes.
The challenge reserves the right to revise dates, rules, or judging criteria if necessary and to withhold awards in any category if no suitable entries are received.