What are the Brass Crescent Awards?

Founded in 2004 by myself and Shahed Amanullah, the Brass Crescent Awards are named for the Story of the City of Brass in the Thousand and One Nights. Today, the Islamsphere is forging a new synthesis of Islam and modernity, and is the intellectual heir to the traditions of philosophy and learning that was once the hallmark of Islamic civilization – a heritage scarcely recognizable today in the Islamic world after a century’s ravages of colonialism, tyrants, and religious fundamentalism. We believe that Islam transcends history, and we are forging history anew for tomorrow’s Islam. These awards are a means to honor ourselves and celebrate our nascent community, and promote its growth.

How does it work?

The Awards will take place in two phases. First is the nominations phase, where readers nominate their favorite blogs in each of several categories. All submitted nominations will then be narrowed down to a maximum of five nominees per category, as selected by our judges. We will then have the final voting round on this site.

So how do I nominate someone?

Just visit BrassCrescent.org and fill out the handy online form!

What are the categories?

BEST MUSLIM BLOG: This category honors the most indispensable, Muslim-authored (single-author) blog there is. Period.

BEST MEDIA STREAM: People are increasingly expressing themselves through social multimedia feeds like Instagram, Vine, YouTube, Flickr and more. Who is doing a good job of mastering this medium?

BEST FEMALE BLOGGER: The woman’s voice in Islam is equal to the man’s, and in the Islamsphere we seek to make sure the female perspective is highlighted and given its rightful due. Which (single-author) Muslim woman’s blog has done the most to explore the role that women play within Islam and society?

BEST GROUP BLOG: What multiple author blog in the Islamsphere has the best diversity of writers and the most interesting debate on Muslim issues?

FUNNIEST BLOGGER: Which blogger gets their point across by using humor in the most effective way?

BEST NEW BLOG: Which blog is a true diamond in the rough, one that everyone should be reading but who most just haven’t heard of (yet)?

BEST NON-MUSLIM BLOGGER: Which blog written by a non-Muslim is most respectful of Islam and seeks genuine dialogue with Muslims?

BEST POST OR SERIES: Which single post or group of posts in the Islamsphere was the most original and important, above all the others?

BEST REGIONAL BLOG: The Islamsphere is truly a global phenomenon. Different regions of the world all have unique perspectives on faith and politics that should be recognized and celebrated. What blogs or bloggers are the best voice of their people and their cultures?

BEST WRITER: Who is the most stimulating, insightful, and philosophically wise among us? This category is intended to highlight a blogger who may not post daily, but when they do post, they really make an impact.

BEST TWEETER: What Muslim voice on Twitter provides the most informative and entertaining retweets, links, and/or witticisms in 140 characters or less?

BEST NON-MUSLIM TWEETER: What non-Muslim voice on twitter should we all be following, who tweets about issues relating to the Muslim world and Islam?

What else can I do to support the Awards?

Blog about it! Follow us on Twitter! Like us on Facebook! Subscribe to our subreddit, /r/brasscrescent! and most of all – nominate, nominate, nominate!