LENSES OF BELONGING

Muslim America in Focus: 

1st Annual CME-US Photo Competition

The Center of Muslim Experience invites photographic submissions from American-based college students that celebrate everyday Muslim life in America: the beauty, diversity, and humanity of daily moments that often go unseen. Whether it’s a family gathering, a quiet prayer, a joyful friendship, or a bustling street scene, show us your world through your lens.

Winning photographs will be featured on CME-US’s website and social media and displayed during January 2026 “Muslim Heritage Month” exhibitions at Arizona State University. The first-place photo will also be printed in large scale and showcased as a centerpiece at CME-US’s Heritage Month events.

For any questions, please contact Fatina Hilal at [email protected].

Submission Criteria

Each submission must be an original work and include a title and caption

  • You may submit up to 3 photographs
  • Photos should highlight everyday Muslim life in America — faith, family, friendship, work, study, community, culture, or creativity
  • Submissions should be in JPEG or PNG format, at least 1500px on the shortest side (high enough quality for potential exhibition printing)
  • Light editing (color correction, cropping, etc.) is allowed, but AI-generated or heavily altered images are not eligible
  • Participants must also include:
    • Full name
    • School name (or university)
    • City and State
    • Email and Phone number

Important Dates and Prizes

📅 Important Dates

  • Submission Deadline: December 30, 2025
  • Winners Announced: January 5th 2026

🏆 Prizes

  • 1st Place: $250
  • 2nd Place: $150
  • 3rd Place: $100

How to submit your photos?

You can submit your photo(s) two ways:

  1. Email: Send your photo(s) as an attachment to [email protected]
  2. Instagram DM: Direct message your photo(s) to @ASU_CMEUS

Terms & Permissions

By submitting your photo(s), you grant the Center of Muslim Experience in the United States (CME-US) permission to:

  • Display your submitted images (credited to you) on CME-US’s website, social media, and print or digital materials related to the contest.
  • Exhibit your photo(s) during January 2026 “Muslim Heritage Month” events at Arizona State University and future CME-US exhibitions.
  • Use the photo(s) in promotional or educational contexts to highlight Muslim life and culture in America.
  • All photographers retain full copyright ownership of their work.
  • CME-US will credit the photographer’s name wherever the image is used.