In an announcement made during a live-streamed event in Abu Dhabi, Egyptian author Mohamed Samir Nada emerged as the winner of the 18th edition of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) for his novel The Prayer of Anxiety (Masciliana). This marks a significant moment, as Nada is the first Egyptian author to receive this prestigious recognition since 2009.

Selection Process and Criteria

The judges evaluated a total of 124 entries and ultimately chose The Prayer of Anxiety as the standout novel published in Arabic between July 2023 and June 2024. The award was presented by Asma Siddiq Al Mutawa, the founder of the Al Multaqa Literary Salon.

About the Winning Novel

The Prayer of Anxiety intertwines storytelling and symbolism, offering an unsettling narrative characterized by multiple voices and layers. The book reflects on a transformative decade in Egypt’s history, particularly the aftermath of the 1967 Naksa, critically examining widely accepted narratives of the event and the Arab world’s subsequent illusions of victory.

Judges’ Remarks

Chair of the judges, Mona Baker, commented on the novel’s impact, stating, “The Prayer of Anxiety won because it successfully transforms anxiety into an aesthetic and intellectual experience that resonates with the reader and awakens them to pressing existential questions. Mohamed Samir Nada blends polyphony and symbolism with captivating poetic language, making reading a sensory experience where revelation intersects with silence and truth with illusion.”

Baker further elaborated on the novel’s setting, noting that the fictional village of Nagaa al-Manasi transcends its geographical roots to serve as a metaphor for societies grappling with fear and authoritarianism.

Expert Commentary

Professor Yasir Suleiman, chair of the board of trustees, praised the novel for its intricate beauty and thought-provoking themes. He pointed out the intelligent use of the 1967 war as a backdrop for exploring the structures of political tyranny, highlighting elements of coercion, manipulation, and despair faced by the village inhabitants.