Young Muslims Islamic Quiz 2009
A Report
Saturday, April 4th, 2009

The Young Muslims Islamic Quiz organized by the Bay Area Chapter of Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) was held on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the Muslim Community Association in Santa Clara. By the grace of Allah, the event was a great success and attracted over 350 students from across the Bay Area.

Participants were divided into 7 levels based on the grades they attend and were seated in Granada Islamic School. In the initial round of the quiz, students were tested through a written multiple choice exam based on a pre-announced syllabus. After testing was completed the students were served lunch and participation certificates and event souvenirs were handed out to them. Meanwhile the exams were graded and the top 4 scorers from each level were identified. These students would later participate in the final buzzer round for their levels. The grade 1 exam was conducted differently with teachers asking each student a set of questions verbally. In the end the top 5 students from grade 1 were given prizes.

While the students were in Granada Islamic School, parents attended talks by the guest speakers. Dr. Irfan Saadat talked about peer pressure and the effect of individualism on the Muslim identity of children. He was followed by Imam Tahir who spoke about how the actions of parents can guide the development of Islamic character in children. Br. Arif Hussein, the national coordinator of Young Muslims USA, gave an interesting perspective on the pursuit of happiness through seeking knowledge.

At noon, the results for grade 1 were announced after which the buzzer rounds for the rest of the grade levels started. The top 4 students from each level participated in a jeopardy-style buzzer round to compete for the key prizes. The top two scoring participants for each level were awarded cash prizes. Consolation prizes were given to 3rd and 4th position holders for each level as well. In addition to participating in the buzzer round, students from grades 9 to 12 also took part in a speech competition. Based on the cumulative score, Aiman Arif, a 10th grade home schooled student, came first in the competition. Having won the grand prize of Umrah ticket in 2008, she was not eligible to win the Umrah ticket this year, however she was recognized as being the winner of the quiz competition and given a scholarship award of $750. Zainab Baaghil, an 11th grade student from South San Francisco came 2nd and won the Umrah ticket prize.

Scores of volunteers from the community helped us to organize and manage this event; from promotion, question preparation, student registration to grading, security and other logistical aspects of the event. Without their help, this event wouldn't have been as great a success as it was. May Allah reward them for their effort.

The purpose of organizing the Young Muslims Islamic Quiz is to impart a basic understanding and knowledge of Islamic fundamentals among the youth, provide a platform for healthy competition among them and to encourage them to acquire Islamic knowledge by providing them with an incentive. We ask Allah SWT to grant us success in this endeavor.

 

Islamic Quiz 2009 - Winners and Prizes
Islamic Quiz 2008 - Winners and Prizes
Islamic Quiz 2007 - Winners and Prizes

More about last year’s quiz