The The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation has officially launched its highly anticipated annual “Read Him, Live Him” Sirat al-Nabi contest, a nationwide initiative dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Now in its latest edition, the competition seeks to inspire participants, particularly the younger generation, to study the Prophet’s exemplary life and integrate his values into their daily lives. Yakup Kaya, a board member of the foundation, shared comprehensive details about the 2025-2026 event during a press conference, underscoring its significance as a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission.

The “Read Him, Live Him” Sirat al-Nabi competition, which has grown into a cherished tradition over the years, aims to foster a deep connection with the Prophet’s biography (Sirat al-Nabi) among participants of all ages. Kaya expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, anticipating robust participation following the success of previous competitions, which have drawn hundreds of thousands of entrants annually. “Our goal is to encourage people, especially young individuals, to read about the Prophet’s life and adopt his teachings as a guide for their actions and decisions,” Kaya stated. “This competition is not just an exam—it’s an opportunity to live a life inspired by the Prophet’s example.”

The foundation opened applications for the 2025-2026 competition on October 17, 2025, with a deadline of January 16, 2026. The exam itself is scheduled for February 8, 2026, and will be conducted at designated centers across Turkey. Kaya highlighted the accessibility of the application process, noting: “All details, including the application form, exam centers, and book distribution points, are available on our website, peygambersevdalilari.com.” To ensure widespread awareness, posters and announcements have been displayed in schools, mosques, and community centers in cities and districts nationwide. The foundation has also established book distribution points in every district to make preparation materials readily available to participants.

The competition is structured into four distinct categories to accommodate different age groups and ensure accessibility for all. Categories 1 and 2 are designed for younger students, covering 4th-5th graders and 6th-8th graders, respectively. Participants in these categories will study Peygamberimin Hayatı (The Life of My Prophet), a book published by Dua Yayıncılık and prepared by the İdeal Eğitim Vakfı Education Commission. They will answer 90 questions in a 90-minute exam. Categories 3 and 4 target older students (9th-12th graders and those born in 2010 or later) and adults, who will use Allah’ın Habibi (The Beloved of Allah) by Mehmet Emin Sütçü, answering 75 questions in 90 minutes. Both books have been carefully selected to provide an accessible yet comprehensive exploration of the Prophet’s life, ensuring participants gain meaningful insights regardless of their age or background.

A hallmark of the “Read Him, Live Him” Sirat al-Nabi competition is its commitment to inclusivity. Kaya emphasized that the event welcomes participants “from ages seven to seventy,” including young children, adults, and individuals with disabilities. To support visually impaired participants, the foundation has made both competition books available as audiobooks, accessible through peygambersevdalilari.com. Additionally, exam environments are tailored to accommodate participants with disabilities, drawing on the foundation’s experience from previous years to ensure a smooth and supportive experience. “We want everyone to have the opportunity to engage with the Prophet’s life,” Kaya said. “Whether through reading, listening, or participating in the exam, we aim to make this a truly inclusive initiative.”

The foundation has also streamlined access to preparation materials. In addition to online resources, physical copies of the books are available at The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation branches and designated distribution points across Turkey. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that no one faces barriers in obtaining the books or preparing for the exam,” Kaya noted. This effort reflects the foundation’s broader mission to make the Prophet’s teachings accessible to as many people as possible.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Sirat al-Nabi competition is its philosophy, encapsulated in the motto: “A competition with no losers.” Kaya explained that while thousands of prizes will be awarded, including coveted Umrah trips, laptops, drones, and telescopes, the true reward lies in the knowledge and inspiration participants gain. “The greatest prize is learning about the Prophet’s life and reflecting his values in everyday life,” he said. “Whether someone wins a material prize or not, everyone who participates comes away enriched by their engagement with the Sirat al-Nabi.”

The foundation’s focus on spiritual and personal growth has resonated with participants over the years, contributing to the competition’s growing popularity. Kaya expressed hope that the 2025-2026 edition would see even higher participation, building on the hundreds of thousands who have joined in previous years. “Each year, we see people of all ages come together to celebrate the Prophet’s legacy,” he said. “We hope this competition will continue to inspire individuals and communities to live with compassion, integrity, and faith.”

Kaya concluded by extending a heartfelt invitation to the public: “We invite all members of society—young, old, and those with disabilities—to join the ‘Read Him, Live Him’ Sirat al-Nabi competition. Insha’Allah, this exam will be a source of blessings for all who participate.” He encouraged prospective participants to visit peygambersevdalilari.com for more information, including application forms, book access, and details about exam centers.

As preparations for the February 8, 2026, exam intensify, the The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation remains committed to its mission of fostering a deeper understanding of the Prophet Muhammad’s life and legacy. Through the “Read Him, Live Him” Siyer competition, the foundation continues to build bridges between communities, uniting people in a shared journey of learning, reflection, and spiritual growth.  (ILKHA)