Write it. Get shortlisted. Get published.
Free to enter in 2026. Every entry is read by our judges. The shortlist goes up on this page, the winners are announced here first, and the winning stories are published right here and in the Muzayrah anthology.
Entries close in
Plus every strong entry gets a chance to be featured on the Muzayrah website.
Shortlist and winners
Your story, in a real book.
The winning stories, and a selection of shortlisted stories chosen by the judges, are printed in the Muzayrah anthology: a real book with every writer credited by name. The anthology is sold, and every published writer receives one free printed copy. Writers keep the copyright to their stories. Publication details for the 2026 anthology are announced with the winners.
The fine print, made readable.
Every entry is read and judged by our founders, Yumnaa Raja and M. Haris Rasheed. Names are removed before judging, so every story is read on its own merits.
Your story, typed and sent.
Entries are not open yet.
The theme, deadline and entry fee are announced at launch. Read the rules now, warm up in the Play zone, and we will email you the moment the form opens.
You're in. Good luck.
Your reference number:
Screenshot this. You need it for your certificate, and we'll quote it in any email about your story.
Every writer gets one.
Entered the prize? Type your reference number and the email you entered with. We check them against our records and print your certificate with the name on your entry. Shortlisted writers and winners automatically get their special edition.
Good questions, straight answers.
01Is it free to enter?
Yes. The 2026 Muzayrah Short Story Prize is completely free to enter. The theme and deadline are announced when entries open; sign up below and you will hear first.
02Who can enter?
Writers aged 11 to 19 on the closing date, in two categories: Juniors (11 to 14) write 200 to 400 words and Seniors (15 to 19) write 400 to 700 words. Each category is judged separately and has its own prizes, so younger writers never compete against older ones. You do not need to be a Learn With Yumnaa student.
03My child is under 18. What do you need from me?
Your agreement to them entering and to their story being published if it is selected (on our website, on social media and in the Muzayrah anthology, which is sold), plus your name and a phone number or email. Prize money is paid to the winner's parent or guardian.
04Can my child write in Urdu, or send a handwritten story?
Not this time. Stories must be written in English and typed into the entry form, or pasted in from Word or Google Docs. We cannot accept photos, scans or attachments.
05How do you check that a story was not written by AI?
We read every story closely, and we never rely on an AI detector alone. Shortlisted writers may be asked to share their notes or drafts, or to talk to us briefly about their story. Basic spellcheck is fine; AI writing, rewriting or translating is not.
06Who owns the story?
The writer keeps the copyright. By entering, they allow us to publish shortlisted and winning stories on this website, on our social media and in the Muzayrah anthology, always credited to them. The anthology is a printed book that is sold, and every published writer receives one free printed copy; writers are not paid royalties. We may correct spelling and punctuation, but we never change a story's meaning.
07What happens to our personal details?
We use them only to run Muzayrah. We never sell or share your personal information, and we never publish an email address, phone number or a guardian's details. Only a writer's name (or pen name), age and school appear if they are shortlisted. Read our full privacy policy.
08Can a teacher enter a whole class?
Teachers are very welcome to encourage their students. Each student enters on their own, through the form, with one story each.
09We submitted but did not get a confirmation email.
Check the spam or promotions folder first. Your reference number is also shown on screen as soon as you submit. If you still cannot find it, contact us with the writer's name and story title.
10When and where are results announced?
Entries close on 30 November 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pakistan time). Results are announced on 20 December 2026, here on this page first, then on Instagram at @muzayrah_publications.
Still have a question? Email , or DM us on Instagram at @muzayrah_publications.
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