Community Potluck at Dar al Islam

By Karima Alavi

​Sunshine, food, new friends, soccer, archery—there were many things to enjoy at Abiquiu’s first Community Potluck hosted at Dar al Islam mosque and retreat facility. The idea for this event arose during a meeting of the Community Café, a new initiative created by Melodie Milhoan, owner of Café Sierra Negra, and Abiquiú resident Laurie Magoon. While attending a recent Community Café meeting, Dar al Islam’s director, Rafaat Ludin, offered the opportunity to make the facility available for a community potluck meant to bring together people from Abiquiu and surrounding communities.

Rafaat Ludin and Laurie Magoon welcoming guests to the potluck. Photo: Karima Alavi

Within the Islamic tradition there is a multitude of benefits, mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) when feeding and sharing food with others, something that is considered one of the most virtuous acts of kindness. In the words of the Prophet Muhammad, “Feed the people and greet those who you know, and those whom you do not know. The best of you are those who feed others.”

Ceramicist Maggie Towne and photographer Gary Pikarsky listen to the welcoming comments. Photo: Karima Alavi

Participants enjoy conversation and company on a warm, sunny afternoon. Photo: Karima Alavi

When I asked Susan Martin, pictured above, what prompted her to join this potluck, she pointed out that “connection and community are more important now, than ever.”

​Approximately 100 visitors came from local communities beyond Abiquiu such as El Rito, Medanales and Santa Fe. One guest, however, drove in from Colorado. Wahidullah Mujahid and Rafaat Ludin worked together in Afghanistan where Wahidullah served as the Quality Control Manager in one of Rafaat’s US government-funded projects. He eventually moved to Colorado in 2017, after Rafaat sponsored his SIV (Special Immigration Visa). This was Wahidullah’s first visit to Dar al Islam. He hopes to come back and participate in future MILA programs, a Muslim family retreat that has taken place each year in Abiquiu since 2004.

Wahidullah and Rafaat at the Community Potluck. In the background are Salihah Moore and Haneen Ludin. Photo: Dar al Islam

Post-lunch activities kept both children and adults busy at the playground, soccer field, and archery range where Lorie’s outdoor skills came in very handy. She guided participants on the use of bows and arrows, as well as safety considerations, making the archery activity the clear winner in terms of drawing in young visitors.

Ashley and David Evans of Ghost Ranch watch their sons pick up archery skills from Laurie Magnoon. Photo: Karima Alavi

I asked David Evans what brought him and his family to this event and this was the answer I received: “I define love as being part of this community, and I love what the mosque is doing here.”

​In past years, Dar al Islam has rarely hosted events specifically designed to draw people from the community onto the site, but Rafaat and a group of enthusiastic volunteers are changing that.

“There is an Afghan saying that the fish is fresh whenever you take it from the water.  It is never too late to do the right thing; and this potluck get-together is the right thing to do.” -Rafaat Ludin

​In past years, Dar al Islam has rarely hosted events specifically designed to draw people from the community onto the site, but Rafaat and a group of enthusiastic volunteers are changing that.

The plan is to make this community potluck a tradition that will continue to bring together friends, neighbors, and even people we don’t yet know, so that we will no longer be strangers to each other, but will tighten the bonds of community here in Abiquiu.