Dar al Islam envisions an America whose people are honored by the presence of Muslims, and are aware of the values shared between Islam and those upon which America was founded. We envision an America whose institutions recognize and value the contributions that Islam and Muslims can make to its society.



Dar al Islam looks to a future where the Muslims of America live Islam with a depth that nourishes their spirits, a diversity that is a cause for celebration, a delight that sustains the quest for increased knowledge, and with such understanding, compassion, and empathy that Islam in America is an integral part of our common ground.

To realize our vision we work with Muslims and non-Muslims. We address issues faced by America and work with organizations, opinion-molders and decision makers on such issues. Working with others enables us to keep our staff small, and leverage our effectiveness. Our commitment to honorable businesslike procedures helps keep our relationships clear and straightforward.

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.