Little School on the Mesa

By Karima Alavi

​We’ve followed the adventures of selecting the location of the Dar al Islam Mosque and retreat center, along with the arrival of Egyptian masons who taught traditional methods of building domes, arches and vaults. Let’s move on to the days when the halls of Dar al Islam rang with the cheerful voices of school children.

Students and faculty in the early days of the Khalid Islamic School at Dar al Islam. Photo: Dar al Islam archives

Seeking education is a religious obligation on every Muslim, if they have access to schooling. The first revelation from God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel began with the word “Iqra.” This word is translated as both “Read” and “Recite.” That Qur’anic verse, translated below on Quran.com, references not only reading and teaching (reciting to others,) but also writing, and the pursuit of knowledge:

Iqra (Read. Recite) in the Name of your Lord who created--
created humans from a clinging clot. (of blood)
Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,
Who taught by the pen--
taught humanity what they knew not. 

At the root of Islamic education is the emphasis on Qur’anic verses that tell the listener/reader to take note of signs in God’s creation, in the biological, social and spiritual world around them, and reflect upon what these signs mean. The Qur’an mentions the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the day and night as a reminder that everything that exists is a gift from a creator. There are verses about stars, mountains, trees and fruits, the ocean, even bees— all presented as something to consider before also taking stock of ourselves and our humble relationship as humans with all that surrounds and sustains us. With these verses in mind, children are taught to be aware of the pain one can find in the world as well, among both the earth (ecological exploitation and destruction) and among fellow humanity.

The importance of education for all Muslims is also supported by the Hadith, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, my favorite one being: “Seek ye knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”

Creating a space for a school
Dar al Islam had made two purchases, the first one of land only, the second consisting of both land and some properties that included structures. Supported by donations, the small elementary school first opened, not at the Dar al Islam site, but at the building on County Road 155 that most locals now refer to as the “Hunt Hacienda.”
The first section of the Dar al Islam facility to be built was the mosque. Because the madressah (school and retreat) segment of Dar al Islam took a few more years to complete, the school, called The Khalid Islamic School, had to find another site. The hacienda offered an obvious choice. Bedrooms became classrooms, the dining room became the cafeteria, and another space was used for prayers.
Of course, stories of the “Haunted Hacienda” spread quickly and still send chills up some spines, though when I asked for specific “sightings” people just chuckled. Except for one former student: Jasmine Kemp. She told me that two young brothers, Adam and Daniel, claimed they had been dragged down a stairway by a Jinn.
Like the Nicaean Creed in Christianity, Islam states a belief in both the seen and unseen, those elements of the created world that can sometimes be crossed. In the Qur’an, Jinn are presented as spirits that differ from humans and angels. Like angels, they can interact with the human realm, though they are capable of doing both good and evil acts. After Adam’s and Daniel’s experience, no students wanted to be left alone in that building. Ever.

Several women from the Muslim families of Abiquiu already had teaching certificates and experience when they arrived in New Mexico. Nadina Barnes, who moved here from Arizona, had started an Islamic school at a mosque in Tempe. She mentioned that at one point early on, Dar al Islam hosted a two-week training program for educators who teach at Islamic Schools. Most attendees and trainers came from Sister Clara Muhammad Schools.

Abiquiu’s Muslim teachers were encouraged by the school principal to travel to the College of Santa Fe to obtain teaching certificates. One of those women, Ayesha Jordan, drove to the college between teaching, and raising five children. She also served as the school cook for a time, as well as serving as a Kindergarten teacher.

​Even swimming was taught at the school when one of the mothers, Rabia van Hattum, noted that the children loved playing in the river and were in need of formal swimming lessons to assure their safety.

Class photo with teacher Naila Pedigen (May she rest in peace) and her students. She was mentioned fondly by many of her former students. Photo: courtesy of Ayesha Jordan

“My time at that school was priceless. The teachers felt like aunties and my fellow students felt like cousins. We will always be like a large family. No matter how far apart we live, we’re still in touch, still gathering at Dar al Islam when we can.”
​Munira Declerck. Former student.

I interviewed former students and faculty and noted that many of their best memories, from both groups, arose from participating in the theater program spearheaded by Rashida McCabe, an experienced teacher from Baltimore whose children attended the school. For their plays, they drew upon the script-writing and fiction skills of the well-known Muslim author and poet, Abdul-Hayy Moore, who once led California’s Floating Lotus Magic Opera Company. One of his fellow performers was Hakim Archuletta who eventually taught science at the Khaled Islamic School while offering his experience and support to the theater curriculum.

Abdul-Hayy wrote two plays specifically for the Dar al Islam children’s theater. One of them was titled The Cosmic Lion. The other addressed issues students were exploring within their Islamic studies curriculum: oppression and the human quest for justice.

Costumes were sewn by women in the community, sets were constructed, and the show went on. There was even a small stage in the room that is now used as a lecture space, dining room, and a place to host artists during the Abiquiu Studio Tour.

Seeking opportunities elsewhere

After a few years, some of the funding was cut, a move that led to a sad realization that the school could not continue. Some people put their children in public schools. Munira Declerck spoke of attending a public school in Arizona, and how difficult it was to fit in. The challenges of adjusting to the school made her realize how special her time had been at the Dar al Islam school.

Several students moved on to El Rito Elementary School who hired three Muslim teachers: Nadina Barnes, Ayesha Jordan, and Naila Pedigen.

​Many of the women involved in the Khaled Islamic School moved to other places to pursue teaching careers. One taught for ten years at a university in Malaysia. Some, like Nadina Barnes, remained in Abiquiu and taught at local schools, including Abiquiu Elementary School and McCurdy School in Espanola. Several of the former Dar al Islam teachers are watching as their own children, adults now, are pursuing careers in education across the state, from Albuquerque to Santa Fe to Tierra Amarilla.

Jasmine Kemp’s school picture Photo: courtesy of Jasmine Kemp

Khadijah Kemp’s school picture (Jasmine’s sister) Photo: courtesy of Jasmine Kemp

“We lived in a bubble here, assuming the rest of the world was just like what we had in Abiquiu. We didn’t appreciate what we had until we left, and that makes our memories more precious.”​
Former Khalid Islamic School student, Jasmine Kemp who now lives in Santa Fe. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she’s an elementary school teacher. ​

Generations move on: Gathering of young Muslim friends at the 2025 ‘Eid celebration at Dar al Islam. Several of these people, now parents themselves, attended the Khalid Islamic School together as children and are enthusiastically taking on the role of creating and organizing events at the Abiquiu site.