Dar al Islam Rings in the New Year

Courtesy of the Rumi Center

By Karima Alavi
 
It’s that time again when many of us reflect on the year that just passed, and focus on our dreams, hopes and plans for the year to come. Dar al Islam (DAI) has much to look back on, and even more to anticipate as the site is developed, new programs are implemented, and community outreach expands.  
 
The last year has been a busy one, highlighted by many changes. One exciting element of the master plan for upcoming years is an effort to eventually have DAI designated as a National Historic Monument. Though the building is six years shy of the 50-year requirement, the State of New Mexico has already recognized the historic relevance of the building and considers it worthy of a future nomination. This will be a long process, but Dar al Islam is confident of approval when the time is right.
 
Facilities enhancement was a primary focus for 2024. The outdoor area was landscaped, and a new bon fire space was developed with seating in the form of an amphitheater. Nearly 100 people can be accommodated in this open area that offers a beautiful view of the Abiquiu valley. Near the bon fire site are two volleyball courts, a soccer field, and a 9-target archery field.
 
Retreats and other activities:
Dar al Islam hosted nine retreats in 2024 as well as a wedding, and expects to host more during the 2025 retreat season.
 
The Rumi Center for Spirituality and the Arts, based in Fez, Morocco, held their first U.S.-based Sufi Meditation Retreat at DAI. This focus on the arts wove its way through the summer with a workshop on the Art of Pattern (geometric design), the Reed Society’s calligraphy program, and the hosting of artists for the Abiquiu Studio Tour. (See the Abiquiu News Dec. 20 edition for more information on that event.) Other retreats offered family gatherings as well as an opportunity for Muslim chaplains to share their experiences and learn from each other.
 
Community Outreach:
In the spirit of connecting with the surrounding community, several projects and policy changes have been implemented. Visitors to Dar al Islam will be happy to know that access to Plaza Blanca has been made easier with the implementation of online requests for an entry code that provides an immediate response. This streamlined process also encourages Plaza Blanca tourists to visit the mosque, something that led to a significant increase in visits. Additionally, Dar al Islam received a generous grant to improve and map Plaza Blanca trails. The initial step in that effort was a “Walking Gently” retreat that gathered about a dozen hikers who shared meditation, prayer, and hiking on a glorious October weekend. (See the Abiquiu News Oct. 23 edition for more information on that event.)
 
Other outreach efforts took DAI staff to Abiquiu Library, the Northern Youth Project, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Ghost Ranch, and Northern New Mexico College where a partnership was launched that led to several trade-school students being hired for repair and maintenance tasks in Abiquiu. Dar al Islam also offered its facilities to an Abiquiu-based non-profit organization that assists with grief management, who held their Board of Directors meeting on the DAI campus.
 
As Dar al Islam looks to the future, there are plans for more facility improvements, increased programming, and further interactions with people and organizations within the surrounding region. We invite you to visit soon. In the meantime, may God grant all of you a happy and healthy 2025. 

Courtesy of Lanterna