As this year comes to a close, I feel the need to say what’s been in my heart.
When I started the awards, it was with hope, excitement, and genuine intentions. I wanted to celebrate stories, effort, and creativity, and I made sure to clearly mention tags like Halal Romance and Islamic Fiction, and detailed rules in the hope that everyone could understand what I was looking for.
I wanted to create a space where I could safely judge within my own comfort and beliefs, while still giving opportunities to writers who fell within those boundaries, regardless of their background or faith.
But what happened instead was painful.
My intentions were misunderstood, my rules questioned, and my right to create and judge within my own space dismissed.
I’ve been told that I am discriminating, that my awards are offensive, and that I have no right to host them.
The constant shaming, mocking, and public arguments have taken a toll.
It’s overwhelming, unfair, and honestly humiliating, not just for me, but for everyone involved.
I want to be clear: I never forced participation.
However, because of all this, and because this experience has become more painful than uplifting, I am cancelling the awards entirely.
I am deeply sorry if anyone felt hurt or unwelcome. That was never my intention. But I cannot continue something that has caused so much conflict and negativity.
I need to step back from Wattpad.
I hope the coming year brings kindness, understanding, and respect to everyone.
This marks the end of the awards. Thank you to those who supported me, understood my intentions, and treated me with patience and respect.
Wishing you all New Year in advance.