2026 Registration Open

MIST Knoxville 2026

Compete. Create. Connect.

Early April 2026
Watch the Kickoff Recording Pre-Register Now

Scroll down to browse the presentation slides

Tonight's Agenda

Click any item to jump ahead

01

Guest Speaker

02

2026 Theme

03

What's New

04

2025 Awards

05

Memories

06

Competitions

07

Programs

08

Expectations

09

Pricing

10

Coaches

11

Q&A

Special Guest
Yahyaa Jahangir

Yahyaa Jahangir

Regional Director

MIST Nashville

Joining us tonight to share the vision for MIST 2026 and what the regional team has planned for this year's competition.

2026 Theme

Currents of Consequence

The Might of Small Deeds

Every prayer, every act of kindness is a drop in an ocean of barakah — small deeds ripple outward, shaping communities and history.

What's New: Competition

Streamlined for stronger performance

Simplified Sports

1 team per sport. Stronger squads, better competition.

3 Competitions Min.

Every student competes in 3+ events. Sports don't count — explore your talents!

8th Graders: 3-page handwritten paper due Feb 8
Topic: “Why I Want to Compete in MIST and How It Will Help Me Grow as a Young Muslim”

What's New: Your Journey

From registration to competition weekend

Weekly Meetings

Sundays at 3 PM. Prep, team bonding, and spiritual growth — starting now!

OneWA Communication

No phone? No problem. WhatsApp-based updates keep everyone in the loop.

🏆 First Time in MIST Knoxville History

1st Place Overall Champion

+ Best Adab Award for exemplary character

0

Students

0

Coaches

0

Placements

1st

Overall

🏅

Annoor Academy

🥇 6 🥈 5 🥉 3
14 total medals — Knowledge Tests, Quran, Improv, Social Media, Nasheed & more
🏆

Bearden High

🥇 4 🥈 2 🥉 4
10 total medals — Digital Art, Spoken Word, Girls Nasheed, Basketball & more
🏈

Hardin Valley

🥇 0 🥈 1 🥉 2
3 medals — Quran Memorization, Poetry, Girls Nasheed
📚

Farragut High

🥇 0 🥈 1 🥉 1
2 medals — Quran Memorization, Prepared Essay

What They Said About 2025

Real feedback from students & coaches

Thank you for taking the time to prepare us for an amazing and wonderful weekend. Everything was so much fun and I enjoyed connecting and learning more about Islam.

— Student

Nothing coaches were great. I feel like I have a whole new family.

— Student

This was a wonderful, wholesome experience. I enjoyed every moment. I still want us as Muslim youth to stick together always.

— Student

Coach Ashraf was truly a good leader. When the biryani was too spicy he made the decision to go back to the hotel and order food for us.

— Student

Strong coach support exceeded expectations. Student-first decision making and a team atmosphere that created real connections.

— Survey Summary

40+ awards won, up from 30 the year before. Improved preparation, more meetings, and stronger team bonding made the difference.

— Coach Report

29+ Competitions

Hover for details · 6 categories

Knowledge & Qur'an

Knowledge Tests
Individual written test on selected book
Qur'an Memorization L1-L3
3 levels of memorization assessment — choose your level
Qur'an Recitation
Judged on tajweed, voice quality, and presentation

Arts

2D Art
Painting, drawing, or mixed media on flat surface
3D Art
Sculptures, models, and three-dimensional works
Fashion Design
Design & present a wearable outfit with Islamic theme
Digital Art
Digital illustration or graphic design
Photography
Original photography submission

Writing & Oratory

Extemporaneous Essay
On-the-spot essay writing with limited prep time
Prepared Essay
Pre-written essay submitted before competition
Short Fiction
Original short story with Islamic themes
Poetry
Written poetry on Islamic themes
Spoken Word
Performed poetry combining writing and oratory
Extemporaneous Speaking
On-the-spot speaking with limited prep time
Original Oratory
Prepared persuasive speech on a chosen topic

Group Projects

Business Venture
Shark Tank-style pitch for an Islamic business idea
Humanitarian Service
Design & present a community service initiative
Nasheed / Rap
A cappella Islamic vocal or rap performance (team)
Science Fair
STEM project research and display
Short Film
Original short film production (team)
Social Media
Create an Islamic social media campaign (team)

Brackets

Debate
Policy & values-based debate in bracket format
Math Olympics
Speed & accuracy math competition
MIST Quiz Bowl
Team buzzer-style trivia rounds
Improv
Think-on-your-feet comedic performance

Sports

Basketball (Boys)
Boys basketball tournament — tryouts required
Basketball (Girls)
Girls basketball tournament — tryouts required
Soccer (Boys)
Boys soccer tournament — tryouts required
Volleyball (Girls)
Girls volleyball tournament — tryouts required

* Don't count toward 3-comp minimum

Programs & Activities

Before the event & during competition weekend

Starting Now

From registration through April

Weekly Team Meetings

Sundays @ 3 PM — comp prep, bonding, spiritual growth

Community Building

Make lifelong friends from across Tennessee

Event Weekend

During MIST Nashville April 2026

Weekend Workshops

Hands-on skill sessions in your competition categories

Guest Speakers

Professionals in art, business, STEM & more

What We Expect

Represent yourself, your school, and your community

1

Professional Dress

Formal attire at all events. Religious clothing welcome.

2

Respect & Inclusion

Zero tolerance for discrimination. Respect all.

3

Academic Integrity

Original work only. No AI, no plagiarism.

4

Commitment

Attend meetings. Communicate. Your team needs you.

5

Islamic Conduct

Proper adab, prioritize prayers, represent beautifully.

6

Have Fun!

Compete hard, enjoy the journey, make memories.

Know the Rules

Guidelines, rubrics, deadlines — everything to compete successfully.

mistrulebook.com Read the Rulebook

Cost Breakdown

What to budget for MIST 2026

MIST Nashville

$65 / $70

Early bird / Late registration

Competition entry Meals during event Paid when registration opens

Extras

$18–30

Optional per item

Jersey / sportswear Custom team gear Available at sign-up

Spending Cash

~$25

Recommended

Sunday dinner out Personal snacks Souvenirs & extras

Prices finalized once MIST Nashville opens official registration. Financial assistance may be available — ask a coach.

Spots Are Limited

Ready to Compete?

Express interest now. Official registration coming soon.

myk-mist.muslimknoxville.org Pre-Register Today

Your 2026 Coaching Team

15 coaches dedicated to your success

AA

Ashraf Ali

Head Coach

AH

Abdalla Husain

Coach

OH

Omar Hamad

Coach

AE

Ahmad El-Messidi

Coach

BA

Bashar Aqqad

Coach

BA

Belal Alharithi

Coach

EA

Etal Aljaber

Coach

HJ

Hibah Javed

Coach

KA

Kareemah Ali

Teacher

LA

Laith Aljaber

Coach

MA

Maaz Ahmad

Coach

RA

Raed Abu-Shehadeh

Coach

YA

Youssif Albaba

Coach

ZK

Zain Kamah

Coach

AA

Ayesha Ahmed

Coach

Questions?

Ask about competitions, registration, meetings, or anything MIST.

Competitions
Registration
Meetings
Dress Code
Transportation
Rulebook

I feel like I have a whole new family.

Join the Family

MIST Knoxville 2026

Early April 2026