Dar al Islam's work began with a meeting, at the Ka'aba in Mecca, of an American-educated Industrialist with an American-born Muslim. Their dream was to establish a Muslim Village as a show-case for Islam in America. Northern New Mexico was chosen as an inspiring location. World-renowned Egyptian Architect Hassan Fathi designed a masjid (mosque) with an attached madressa (school) in traditional North African style. But even as construction continued, it became clear that a village of exemplary Muslims is not something to be engineered. By 1989 we began a process of formally rethinking our strategy.
In 1991 we surveyed Muslims nationally and held a meeting of national leadership to assess and prioritize the relevant issues for Muslims living in America. The results helped clarify our direction. We sold parcels of land and created an endowment for the support of our activities. We retained 1357 acres surrounding the Mosque and Madressa which is now used as a conference and retreat center.
Dar al Islam emphasizes education in the broadest sense. Our programs share with the American people knowledge of Islam and what it offers to affirm the virtues of mercy and justice.