IlmQuest 2026 – Competition Rules & Format Organized by ICNA Greater Los Angeles
Participant Levels (by Age)
IlmQuest 2026 is conducted across three participant levels based on age. Participants compete only within their assigned level, scoring, and awards are determined separately for each level. ⦁ Level I: Ages 6–9 ⦁ Level II: Ages 10–13 ⦁ Level III: Ages 14–18
1. Competition Format
IlmQuest 2026 will consist of three stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination (All Participants)
⦁ Conducted at selected test centers ⦁ Based strictly on official study material provided by ICNA GLA. ⦁ 40 questions (multiple‑choice) ⦁ Duration: 60 minutes ⦁ Time is strict: participants arriving late will not be given extra time ⦁ Top 15 participants from each level will be selected and advanced to Stage 2
Stage 2: Written Examination (Qualified Participants Only)
⦁ Conducted on the final competition day ⦁ 25 questions (multiple‑choice questions only) ⦁ Duration: 30 minutes ⦁ Time is strict: participants arriving late will not be given extra time ⦁ Administered prior to the Oral Quiz ⦁ Top 5 participants from each level will be selected based on Stage 2 scores ⦁ Results of Stage 2 will be announced within 30 minutes after official exam completion ⦁ Qualified participants will advance to the Oral Quiz on the same day Stage 2 TieBreaker Rule In the event of a tie in Stage 2 results at the qualification cutoff for the Oral Quiz: ⦁ The cumulative score from Stage 1 and Stage 2 combined will be calculated. ⦁ The participant with the higher combined total score will advance to Stage 3 (Oral Quiz). ⦁ If a tie still remains after combining Stage 1 and Stage 2 scores, the decision of the judges and organizers will be final.
Stage 3: Oral Quiz (Finalists Only)
⦁ Top 5 participants from each level compete ⦁ Conducted live (in‑person or designated event setting) ⦁ Structured into multiple competitive rounds
2. Oral Quiz Rounds
The Oral Quiz will consist of the following rounds, conducted in order. All rules are designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and an encouraging competitive environment.
Round 1: Direct Question Round
⦁ Each participant is asked a question directly and will be asked two (2) questions ⦁ Questions are asked one at a time ⦁ Time limit: 10 seconds Scoring: ⦁ ✅ Correct answer: +2 points ⦁ ❌ Incorrect or no answer: 0 points
Round 2: Buzzer Round
⦁ All participants compete simultaneously ⦁ This round will consist of a total of 10–12 questions (as determined by the moderator or judges) ⦁ The first participant to press the buzzer earns the right to answer ⦁ Time limit: 10 seconds
DeadTime Rule (No Buzzer)
⦁ If no participant presses the buzzer within 3 seconds of the question being completed, the question will be skipped ⦁ No points will be awarded or deducted ⦁ The moderator will proceed immediately to the next question
Buzzer & Answering Rules
⦁ After pressing the buzzer, the participant must wait for buzzer confirmation from the moderator before answering Level III (strict enforcement): ⦁ Any answer given before confirmation results in an immediate –1 point penalty and is treated as an incorrect attempt
Level I & II (warning‑based enforcement):
⦁ Up to one warning is allowed for answering before buzzer confirmation ⦁ On a warning, the question is canceled with no points awarded or deducted ⦁ After two warnings, further violations may be treated as incorrect attempts at the moderator’s discretion ⦁ Only the participant whose buzzer is confirmed may answer ⦁ No clarification or additional prompts will be provided once the question is read ⦁ Any external communication, gestures, or audience assistance after buzzing is prohibited
Passing & Scoring
⦁ If unanswered or incorrect, the question is passed once for a second buzzer opportunity
Scoring:
⦁ First buzzered participant: ⦁ ✅ Correct: +2 points ⦁ ❌ Incorrect / no answer: –1 point ⦁ Second buzzered participant: ⦁ ✅ Correct: +2 points ⦁ ❌ Incorrect / no answer: –1 point ⦁ If no participant answers correctly after the second attempt, the question is closed
Round 3: Brief Summary Round
⦁ Each participant provides a brief explanatory or summary‑style response ⦁ Questions may require explanation, summarization, or outlining key ideas from official material ⦁ Time limit per response: 30–45 seconds (moderator controlled)
Evaluation & Scoring
Responses are evaluated by judges based on: ⦁ Accuracy ⦁ Coverage of key points ⦁ Clarity and organization ⦁ Relevance to the question ⦁ Judges award marks (e.g., 0–5 points) ⦁ Scores remain hidden until the end of the competition and are added to final totals
Important Notes:
⦁ No negative marking applies in this round ⦁ Judges’ evaluations and scores are final
3. Ultimate Tie‑Breaker Round (If Required) This round is conducted only if a tie remains.
Format & Rules
⦁ A question is asked to one participant ⦁ The participant must wait for buzzer confirmation before answering ⦁ Time limit to respond: 7 seconds
Level III:
⦁ Early answer results in an immediate –1 point penalty
Level I & II:
⦁ One warning allowed; the question is canceled ⦁ Further violations may be treated as incorrect attempts ⦁ If unanswered or incorrect, the question is transferred once to another participant
Scoring
⦁ Original participant: ⦁ ✅ Correct: +2 points ⦁ ❌ Incorrect / no answer: 0 points ⦁ Transferred participant: ⦁ ✅ Correct: +1 point ⦁ ❌ Incorrect: –1 point
Conclusion Rules
⦁ The round continues until the tie is resolved ⦁ If still tied after three questions, a final no‑transfer question is asked ⦁ The first correct response to this question determines the winner
4. Disqualification Rules
A participant may be disqualified if they: ⦁ Engage in cheating, disruptive behavior, or repeatedly ignore instructions
5. Time Rules
⦁ Each stage and round has a clearly defined time limit, which will be strictly enforced for all participants ⦁ A brief verbal reminder (e.g., “5 seconds remaining”) may be given at the moderator’s discretion ⦁ Participants must begin their response within the allotted time ⦁ If time expires while a participant is answering, only the portion stated within the time limit will be considered ⦁ Silence or hesitation beyond the time limit is treated as no answer, and the quiz proceeds respectfully ⦁ No extra time is granted under any circumstances, including late arrival or incomplete responses ⦁ Moderators may conclude an attempt once time expires to ensure fairness and smooth flow
6. Prohibited Actions
To ensure fairness, respect, and a positive experience for all participants, the following actions are prohibited: ⦁ Use of phones, smart watches, smart devices, notes, books, or any external reference material during any stage ⦁ Receiving or attempting to receive assistance through gestures, signals, written prompts, whispered hints, or audience interaction ⦁ Communicating with other participants during active rounds unless explicitly permitted by the moderator ⦁ Touching, testing, or operating any buzzer or competition equipment outside an active question ⦁ Interrupting or distracting another participant, the moderator, or the judges ⦁ Arguing with or challenging official decisions during live competition ⦁ Engaging in disruptive, disrespectful, intimidating, or unsportsmanlike behavior IlmQuest is conducted in a respectful and encouraging environment. Honest mistakes are handled calmly, while repeated or deliberate violations may result in penalties or disqualification.
7. Winners & Prizes
⦁ Top participants in each level will be recognized and awarded ⦁ Judges’ decisions regarding results are final
8. Authority & Governance
⦁ The competition operates under the authority of appointed moderators, judges, and organizers ⦁ Moderators are responsible for enforcing rules, managing time, confirming buzzer actions, and maintaining orderly flow ⦁ Judges are responsible for evaluating answers, awarding scores, and resolving scoring matters ⦁ All moderator and judge decisions are final and binding during the competition ⦁ No appeals or score disputes will be entertained during live rounds ⦁ Participants, parents, and audience members must comply with instructions given by event officials
Clarifications & Conduct:
⦁ Requests for clarification must be made respectfully and only when permitted by the moderator ⦁ Any post‑event concerns may be submitted through official competition channels Authority is exercised to ensure fairness, safety, learning, and an enjoyable experience for all participants.
⦁ ✨ IlmQuest is designed to promote learning, confidence, sportsmanship, and excellence in a fair and engaging competitive environment.
The Life of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) · June 6, 2026 · Arcadia, CA
🎁
Total prizes awarded
$2,450
Across all 3 levels · 15 winners
Level I — $600
Level II — $825
Level III — $1,025
🏆Level I WinnersAges 6–9
Rank
Name
Gift card
🥇
Talha Ibn Shahab
$300
🥈
Vidan Sindhi
$150
🥉
Adam Radwan
$75
4
Muhammad Musab Zubairi
$50
5
Sulaiman Shafaq
$25
Level I total$600
🏆Level II WinnersAges 10–13
Rank
Name
Gift card
🥇
Ayesha Abdullah
$400
🥈
Jannat Alqam
$200
🥉
Aliza Sindhi
$100
4
Mohsin Mahamed
$75
5
Salih Alqam
$50
Level II total$825
🏆Level III WinnersAges 14–18
Rank
Name
Gift card
🥇
Hafsa Khan
$500
🥈
Mubarak Diab
$250
🥉
Aaiza Ahmad
$150
4
Anas Nawaz
$75
5
Alishbah Ahmad
$50
Level III total$1,025
📷 Event highlights
IlmQuest 2026 — Results Section
Round 1 results
Results will be sent to your email on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 09:00AM
If you have qualified for Round 2, you will receive a personalised email at your registered address by Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 09:00AM. Please keep an eye on your inbox — and don't forget to check your spam or junk folder just in case!
Check your registered email inbox on Wednesday for your results
Round 2 RSVP
RSVP opens Monday, June 01, 2026 at 05:00 PM
The RSVP link for Round 2 will become available on Monday morning at 05:00 PM. Only qualified participants may RSVP. You will need your registered email address to verify your identity.
