Celebrating Global Storytelling

Launched as part of Muslim Pro’s 16th anniversary celebrations, Stories of the Beloved ran from 19 July to 31 August 2025 , inviting Muslims worldwide to create short films inspired by their love for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The competition received heartfelt submissions from across the globe and was judged by an esteemed panel of filmmakers and digital storytellers from the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond.

The Short Film jury featured award-winning directors Abrar Hussain (One Day in the Haram), Salman Aristo (Laskar Pelangi), and Jawad Mir (In Search of My Sister). The UGC Shorts category was evaluated by leading digital creators including Fikri ZamRi, a travel filmmaker with over 50 million YouTube views; Aisha Rizqy, an Indonesian content creator; and Haris Akbar, co-founder of Denmark’s youth-led daʿwah platform, Halal Hygge. Their diverse backgrounds ensured that each winning entry was recognised not only for its faith-driven message but also for its artistic quality, cultural authenticity, and emotional resonance.

Together, the jury selected three outstanding winners in the Short Film category and three in the UGC Shorts category, celebrating both professional craftsmanship and authentic user-generated storytelling. In addition to the main winners, three consolation prizes were awarded to commend notable entries that demonstrated strong creative potential. The public also had a voice in the celebration through a Viewer’s Choice Award, voted by global users via the Muslim Pro app, highlighting the story that resonated most deeply with the global community.

The Winners

Short Film Category

• First Prize: UN(Hated) Father by Mochamad Ramdhan (Indonesia) – A moving drama about reconciliation between a son and his father, grounded in the Prophet’s ﷺ example of kindness and fairness.
  “Living in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, I know how deeply Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) inspires daily life. Yet there’s often a clash between following his example and facing modern demands. That’s how I portray Ahmad’s father—seen as old-fashioned and overly religious, but in truth a loving man. Like the Prophet, he shows kindness even when misunderstood. This story aims to speak to Muslims who still question the Prophet’s relevance today.” – Mochamad Ramdhan

   

• Second Prize: Cleanliness is Half of Faith by Afaan Sheikh (Pakistan) – An animated short introducing “Captain Cleanliness,” a superhero teaching children about waste management, inspired by the Prophet’s ﷺ hadith.
  “Our faith teaches us that actions must speak louder than words. In Pakistan, I notice many of us take cleanliness seriously within our homes but neglect the spaces we share, our streets, our rivers, our communities. Yet Islam is clear: cleanliness is part of our way of life, from the moment we prepare for prayer to the way we honor the dead through ghusl. If purity wasn’t essential, Allah would not have commanded us to uphold it so consistently. That’s why it was so important for me to tell this story as a Muslim.” – Afaan Sheikh

   

• Third Prize: The Path of Resilience by Nurul Othman (Singapore) – A contemplative short film following an individual who rediscovers peace during an Umrah journey. Drawing inspiration from the Prophet’s ﷺ perseverance, the protagonist returns home renewed, carrying lessons of patience and strength into daily life.
  “My hope for the future is to see a greater diversity of authentic Muslim voices being shared—stories that reflect the beauty, growth, and everyday realities of our lives. I believe there’s so much power in representation, and when we share our journeys, even the imperfect parts, we create space for others to feel seen, understood, and inspired. After all, we are all here to learn from each other!” – Nurul Othman

UGC Shorts Category

• First Prize: Packing Tutorial by Hayunda Lail Zahara (Indonesia) – A thoughtful reflection for travellers, reminding that what we carry on our journeys should ultimately guide us to Jannah, inspired by the teachings of Rasulullah ﷺ.
  “I see the digital world as a field to reap rewards from Allah SWT. A shortcut to learning Islam, as simple as hijab tutorials that are shared for free. The bad behaviour and harsh words become so popular right now need to combat with all kind good example which assosiate with Islamic principle.” – Hayunda Lail Zahara

   

• Second Prize: The One Allah Loved by Ahmed Ahmed (United States) – A deeply personal reflection on spiritual transformation through the Prophet’s ﷺ example.
  “If there’s one thing I want people to take away, it’s that following the Prophet ﷺ is the path to real success with Allah. It’s not about restrictions; it’s about living in a way that brings you closer to Allah. If someone can feel even a spark of that after watching, then I’m happy.” – Ahmed Ahmed

   

• Third Prize: You Live On Through Us by Muhammad Hakim Bin Roslee (Singapore) – A short film portraying how the Sunnah continues to shape everyday life, showing that the Prophet’s ﷺ footsteps still guide the world today.
  “Being part of Stories by Muslim Pro is a huge achievement for me, especially since this is my first ever global video competition. This recognition motivates me to keep pushing my creative boundaries and to continue producing videos that are not only visually stunning but also carry meaningful and positive messages. I hope this milestone will be the start of many more impactful projects in the future.” – Muhammad Hakim Bin Roslee

Viewer’s Choice Award

The Light That Guides My Life by Fatimah Yusuf Dodo (Nigeria) – A personal reflection on how the Prophet’s ﷺ patience, kindness and example continue to shape daily life with purpose and compassion.

Consolation Prizes

Three additional creators were recognised for unique storytelling: Mahmood AL Ghussein (Germany), Muhammad Fitri Ihsan Bin Mohamad Hamzah (Singapore) and Surya Utama Kertarajas (Indonesia).

A Message from Muslim Pro

As the competition concluded, Muslim Pro reflected on the impact of its first global storytelling initiative. The strong participation and creativity demonstrated by entrants underscored the importance of giving Muslim voices a platform to share authentic narratives.

“When Muslims tell their own stories, the world listens differently. Stories by Muslim Pro is a movement to reclaim our narratives,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO of Muslim Pro. “We are heartened by the overwhelming response to this inaugural contest. It gives us the confidence that we are on the right path in opening up our platform to support Muslim creatives, offering them a space where their voices and visions can reach audiences worldwide.”

All winning entries are now available to stream exclusively on Qalbox, Muslim Pro’s video platform. Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/ofthebeloved.

Stories by Muslim Pro: of The Beloved is proudly supported by Gobi Partners. 

For more information about Stories by Muslim Pro: of The Beloved, please contact: press@bitsmedia.com 

Muslim Pro, the world’s most popular Muslim lifestyle app, has unveiled Stories by Muslim Pro: Of the Beloved, a global digital content festival that brings together professional filmmakers and everyday creators to share authentic perspectives of faith, reflection and devotion in the modern world.

Submissions poured in from across geographies, reflecting the hunger for a safe, curated platform where Muslim stories can be expressed and celebrated. Shortlisted films and UGC shorts are now available to explore on the Muslim Pro app, with audiences invited to cast their votes for the Viewer’s Choice Award from 9 to 21 September 2025.

“Muslim Pro has evolved far beyond its beginnings as a faith utility app into a cultural and spiritual companion that is trusted by millions,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO of Muslim Pro. “Stories by Muslim Pro is our next chapter, a platform where we shine a light on stories that inspire, connect, and unite Muslims across geographies, cultures, and generations.”

Stories by Muslim Pro: A new platform for storytelling

Stories by Muslim Pro is a bold initiative to nurture authentic voices, spotlight diverse perspectives, and capture the lived experiences of Muslims around the world. By providing space for both emerging talent and established creatives, Muslim Pro is helping to democratise storytelling in the digital age.

Highlight Feature: Madina – The Enlightened City

Adding to the festival is the exclusive digital premiere of Madina: The Enlightened City, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abrar Hussain (One Day in the Haram, One Night in Al Aqsa).

The documentary captures not just the beauty and history of the Prophet’s city, but also its spiritual essence — humanity, humility, and devotion. Available exclusively through Muslim Pro, the film will be open for pre-purchase on 11 September and streaming from 1 October 2025.

How to Watch and Participate

• Explore & Vote: Watch shortlisted Of the Beloved entries and cast your vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award (9–21 September 2025).

• Pre-purchase: Madina: The Enlightened City starting 11 September 2025.

• Stream: The documentary exclusively on Muslim Pro beginning 1 October 2025.
  

All shortlisted content and the documentary premiere are accessible via the Muslim Pro app.

Stories by Muslim Pro: Of the Beloved is proudly supported by Gobi Partners.

Running from July to September 2025, the festival is open to Muslims of all backgrounds and experience levels — from filmmakers to first-time video creators. Participants can submit original videos in two formats: short films (up to 15 minutes) or UGC-style shorts (up to 2 minutes). These entries should capture heartfelt reflections, personal moments, or creative expressions inspired by the Prophet’s ﷺ character, teachings or legacy.

The focus of the campaign is to highlight creativity in da’wah — showcasing how personal stories and sincere content can inspire, educate and uplift others within the Ummah and beyond. Selected entries will be featured in-app and across Muslim Pro’s digital platforms, with cash prizes totalling nearly US$15,000.

Submissions close on 25 August 2025, and all entries must be original and aligned with the festival’s theme of honouring the Prophet ﷺ through creative storytelling.

In September, the UGC Shorts category will be open to public voting via the Muslim Pro app, allowing the global community to support and elevate their favourite entries. The winner of the Short Film category will also be announced by the end of September, following deliberation by a panel of esteemed jury.

“At Muslim Pro, we believe that da’wah can take many forms — including storytelling that comes from the heart. ‘Stories by Muslim Pro’ is a platform for Muslims to honour the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in their own voice. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a wave of creative, sincere expressions that reflect the depth of our love and connection to the Prophet ﷺ,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO of Muslim Pro.

This initiative marks a significant step in Muslim Pro’s broader commitment to celebrating Muslim voices and fostering a global platform for authentic, values-driven content. It also reflects the app’s mission to empower Muslims with the tools to engage more deeply with their faith and community.

To find out more or submit your story, visit: www.muslimpro.com/stories 

With over 170 million downloads, Muslim Pro is a trusted spiritual companion for Muslims in more than 190 countries. The app provides essential features such as prayer times, Quran recitation, Qibla direction and Islamic content in over 20 languages. Built on a freemium model, Muslim Pro ensures that its core features remain free and accessible to all, regardless of geography, income, or internet connectivity. The app is also optimised for low-bandwidth environments, making it especially valuable for users in areas with limited digital infrastructure.

“The B Corp certification is an important milestone in our journey. It reflects our belief that faith-tech should be inclusive, purposeful and grounded in service. Every Muslim deserves access to tools that support their Deen, regardless of where they live or what device they use. This recognition validates our mission and encourages us to continue building with intention and responsibility,” said Nafees Khundker, Group Managing Director and CEO of Bitsmedia.

Founded in 2009, Bitsmedia continues to shape its products and partnerships around accessibility, cultural relevance and long-term community impact. The company remains focused on delivering digital tools that serve the evolving needs of the global Muslim ummah.

B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Bitsmedia joins thousands of businesses worldwide working to use technology and innovation as a force for good.

For more information about Muslim Pro, visit www.muslimpro.com

Developed in collaboration with renowned institutions such as Ulum Al-Azhar Academy and Qasid Institute, Academy by Muslim Pro caters to learners at all levels, providing opportunities to improve Quran recitation, learn the Arabic language, and deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings. 

The Shift Toward Digital Islamic Learning

As more Muslims turn to digital tools and online platforms to enhance their religious knowledge, the demand for structured, interactive and accessible Islamic education continues to grow. Digital platforms offer the flexibility that modern learners need, making it easier to integrate Islamic teachings into their daily lives.

“The way Muslims seek knowledge has changed dramatically in the last decade. Many are now turning to digital platforms because they offer accessibility, structure and guidance in a way that fits modern lifestyles,” said Junaidah Said Khan, Head of Content at Muslim Pro and Qalbox. “With Academy by Muslim Pro, we are creating a pathway for Muslims to connect with their faith meaningfully, making Quran recitation, Arabic mastery and religious understanding more achievable.”

Academy by Muslim Pro responds to this global shift by offering high-quality Islamic education in a flexible digital format, ensuring that learning about Islam is more relevant, convenient and engaging than ever before.

Free Courses for All Muslim Pro Users

To ensure that learning the Quran and Arabic is accessible to all, Academy by Muslim Pro offers two free beginner-level courses for all users:

1. Arabic Class for Adults and Children (Beginner Level)
   This Arabic class covers essential letters, vowels and sounds, with a strong focus on pronunciation, reading, writing and speaking. Each lesson introduces new vocabulary and concludes with practical dialogues, helping learners build confidence in real-world communication.
2. Quran Class for Adults and Children (Beginner Level)
   This Quran class is designed to equip learners with a strong foundation in Tajweed, focusing on Makharij (points of articulation) and Sifaat (distinctive characteristics of letters). By the end of the course, students will be able to recite the Quran accurately in accordance with the established rules of Tajweed.

Both courses are completely free for all Muslim Pro users, ensuring foundational Quranic and Arabic learning is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.

Academy by Muslim Pro is now live and available exclusively on the Muslim Pro app, allowing users to learn at their own pace and strengthen their connection to their faith whenever and wherever they choose.

For media inquiries, please email press@bitsmedia.com 

New Ramadan Bundle Provides Families with Affordable Access to Faith-Based Learning and Entertainment

As Ramadan approaches, Muslim families worldwide are turning to digital platforms for faith-based learning and entertainment. Research shows that digital media consumption increases during Ramadan, with families seeking trusted, values-aligned content to enhance their spiritual experience. Additionally, 72% of Muslim parents actively look for Islamic content for their children, reflecting a growing demand for safe, faith-centred digital resources.

Recognising this need, Muslim Pro, the world’s most widely used Islamic lifestyle app, and Durioo+, a leading faith-based children’s streaming service, have partnered to offer an exclusive Ramadan 2025 subscription bundle. This limited-time offer provides at least a 50% discount on premium access to both platforms, allowing families to engage in meaningful Islamic learning and entertainment throughout the holy month.

Making Faith-Based Digital Content More Accessible

With more than 170 million downloads worldwide, Muslim Pro is a trusted companion for Muslims observing Ramadan, offering features such as accurate prayer times, Quran recitations, fasting schedules, Qibla direction, and daily duas. Additionally, its Qalbox video platform provides exclusive Islamic documentaries, lectures and films tailored for a global Muslim audience.

Complementing this, Durioo+ offers a safe, engaging space for Muslim children, featuring over 16,000 pieces of safe and islamic content that teach Islamic values through entertaining and age-appropriate storytelling. This partnership directly addresses the growing need for digital tools that help parents instill Islamic teachings in an engaging and accessible way.

Supporting Families in Their Ramadan Journey

“We understand that parents want more than just entertainment — they want content that nurtures their children’s faith and strengthens family connections during Ramadan,” said Sinan Ismail, Founder and CEO of Durioo. “By collaborating with Muslim Pro, we are making it easier for families to access high-quality, values-driven Islamic content at an affordable price.”

Muslim Pro has long been recognised as one of the best digital companions for Ramadan, helping users stay connected to their faith with prayer trackers, fasting reminders, and Islamic reflections. Now, through this bundled offer with Durioo+, families can enjoy a holistic Ramadan experience that integrates faith, learning, and entertainment.

“Our goal is to create a comprehensive digital solution for Muslim families, ensuring that both parents and children have access to meaningful Islamic content,” said Junaidah Said Khan, Head of Content at Muslim Pro and Qalbox. “This exclusive Ramadan bundle brings together two of the most trusted Islamic platforms, making high-quality faith-based resources more accessible than ever.”

A Long-Term Commitment to Faith-Based Digital Innovation

As digital engagement within Muslim communities continues to grow, Muslim Pro and Durioo+ are committed to expanding faith-based digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern Muslim families.

With Ramadan being a time for worship, reflection and family bonding, this partnership ensures that parents and children alike have access to reliable, engaging, and values-driven content — all at a more affordable price.

With studies showing that it takes 40 days to develop a habit, this initiative provides structured guidance to support prayer consistency, self-reflection, and community engagement, ensuring a more meaningful and enduring Ramadan experience.

“Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal, but the real challenge is sustaining these good habits beyond the month,” said Nafees Khundker, Managing Director and CEO of Muslim Pro. “With ‘40 Days of Deen’ we aim to support the Muslim Pro community in forming lifelong habits that integrate faith into their daily routines.”

Encouraging Pre-Ramadan Preparation for a Meaningful Journey

For many Muslims, preparation for Ramadan begins months in advance. The months of Rejab and Syaaban serve as a period of spiritual cleansing and readiness, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In alignment with these traditions, Muslim Pro encourages users to start building positive habits early, allowing them to enter Ramadan with a stronger spiritual foundation.

To assist in this journey, Muslim Pro is offering two exclusive masterclasses designed to enhance worship practices:

1. The Art of Khushu: Perfecting Your Salah (Facilitated by Imam Muhammad Abdullah, Director of Outreach and Youth at Al-Hedayah Academy
2. The Rewards of Ramadan: Perfecting Your Worship (Facilitated by Sheikh Ali Nageh, Ulum Al-Azhar Academy)

Each course is available for USD2.99, providing Muslim Pro users with practical guidance on refining their prayers, fasting and overall Ramadan experience.

Integrating Faith and Technology for a More Meaningful Ramadan

Muslim Pro is ensuring that technology enhances, rather than distracts from, spiritual growth. With this in mind, the “40 Days of Deen” initiative introduces features designed to promote mindfulness, self-reflection and structured spiritual development throughout Ramadan.

A key feature is the Journal, which allows users to track their spiritual progress through mood logs, fasting and prayer tracking, Sunnah Acts Checklist and picture journaling. This helps users reflect on their daily ibadah, recognize areas for improvement and maintain consistency in their religious commitments.

For those seeking a more mindful approach to worship, Deen Mode provides a personalized countdown for key moments such as Iftar, Qiyam and Fajr. This feature helps users transition smoothly between daily activities and acts of worship, with gentle Wind-Down and Wake-Up reminders that incorporate Quranic recitations, du’as, dhikr and exclusive Ramadan podcasts. By seamlessly integrating faith into daily routines, Deen Mode encourages a more centered and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan experience.

Beyond individual worship, Muslim Pro recognizes the importance of community support in strengthening one’s faith. The app’s enhanced Community Feature, Ummah Pro, expands on its existing Prayer Request function, allowing Muslim Pros users to engage with fellow Muslims globally, share prayers and offer words of encouragement to those on a similar spiritual path. This digital space fosters a sense of unity and collective devotion, reinforcing the idea that Ramadan is not just a personal journey, but a shared experience that brings Muslims together.

A Holistic Ramadan Experience with Qalbox

Beyond individual practice, Ramadan is a time of learning, storytelling, and communal reflection. To complement 40 Days of Deen, Qalbox by Muslim Pro presents a curated selection of inspirational Ramadan content, blending faith, history, and spirituality to deepen the Ramadan experience.

Titles such as Maulana’s Reflections Season 2 explore timeless lessons from Prophetic traditions, while My First Ramadan shares heartfelt experiences of new reverts observing their first fasts, offering a mix of inspiration and education for viewers of all backgrounds.

From thought-provoking documentaries to interactive children’s programs and live-streamed Taraweeh prayers, Qalbox ensures that Ramadan’s spiritual lessons extend into homes, enriching both personal and family experiences.

A Digital Companion for Malaysian Muslims During Ramadan

Muslim Pro ensures that ‘40 Days of Deen’ aligns with the evolving needs of tech-savvy Muslim users. The initiative is designed to enhance Ramadan observance by integrating faith with accessible, user-friendly technology.

“Muslim Pro is more than just an app — it’s a trusted companion for every Muslim’s spiritual journey,” added Khundker. “With digital tools becoming a significant part of religious life globally, we are committed to ensuring that technology strengthens faith rather than distracts from it.”