Dar al Islam

Contrary to one of the reviews above Dar al Islam does only offer residential accommodations and camping space to groups who have arranged for an educational program at the its campus.

Alhumdullah excellent place to reflect, pray, learn more Islam. Every Muslim group should have a retreat there. I'm thankful I got to make salat there while visiting Santa Fe, NM

This multi-purpose complex (kulliyah) is like a mirage in the desert. The difference is, it is real, and, the surrounding area is not really desert; it is beautiful mesa area. It was built about 30+ years ago. You can stay here, it has rooms to acommodate guests, both individuals and groups; has facilites to accommodate group programs (rooms, kitchen, conference room/library, mosque, gardens,...). You just need to contact them, via their web site to arrange. You can have a day trip there, too, can visit the area, and can even camp around the complex. Near it lives a Muslim American family; the gentlemen is a carpenter. On the way to the complex, there there is a little masjid on the road, next to it a "Yurt", too.

Dar al Islam is without a doubt the most beautiful mosque in America - and by beauty I just mean not physically. It's adobe brick architecture and perfect proportions designed by the saintly Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy (on the architectural geniuses of the 20th century who founded the "arhcitecture for the poor" school based on Islamic and traditional design principles) is remarkable. The story behind its construction borders on miraculous. Inside it is form meets function - cool, beautiful, peaceful, it is a true house of God. Praying, doing dhikr, raising one's voice in praise of Allah and His Messenger takes on an otherworldly quality. I have lived in the complex for several weeks at a time and I found that Dar al Islam give to those who are in it. The surrounding mesa changes as the days changes into night and there is few experiences that match praying fajr in the main mosque while the rising sun and star compete for supremacy of the night's sky. Make it a holiday destination! Visit it at any costs? It is a gift to the America's and the great legacy of a once visionary local community and architect who built so people could live.