MILA & MAS Colorado present...
Muslim Family Retreat!
"Discovering Secrets to Family Success"
May 23-26, 2008
Dar Al-Islam - Abiquiu, New Mexico
-read what people say about the beauty and spiritual vibrance of Abiquiu, NM!-
(Pictured above, from left to right: Dar Al-Islam mosque, hiking in Abiuqiu, the white stone hills of Plaza Blanca, Dar Al-Islam mosque interior)
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Register Here Online!
You can also register in-person at CMS (Masjid Abu Bakr).
See the office manager for details.
Overview & Theme
Why go?
Location: Dar Al-Islam
Accommodations & Cost
What kinds of activities will there be?
Who should go?
Transportation
Speakers Bios
FAQs & Contact Info
Overview & Theme
Escape from the hectic day-to-day life of the city to the enchanting hills of Abiquiu, New Mexico. You and your family can enjoy a 3 night stay at the amazing Dar Al-Islam Center—a beautiful madrasa and mosque nestled in a remote desert where the days are bright and full of possibility, and the night skies will simply take your breath away. There’s something for everyone: hiking, sports, recreation, arts & crafts, delicious food, time to relax and get closer to Allah, time to enjoy your family and meet other Muslims, and not to mention amazing guest speakers to help revive the spirit!
This year’s theme, Discovering Secrets to Family Success, will feature short talks, practical workshops and games to help you and your family learn new ways to improve your relationships and enrich your lives with Islam in the home!
Learn about important topics like:
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Bridging the culture and generational gap
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Making Allah & Islam the center of your home life
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Communication, trust and having a happy, safe environment at home
Why go?
This year’s retreat will be better than ever, insha’Allah! We listened to your suggestions from our past retreats and are catering to your needs. You don’t want to miss out on this event!
Ø A Mini-Vacation at a SUPER Low Cost: 3 nights stay in the blessed Dar Al-Islam center, 3 delicious meals a day, hiking, recreation and fun, guest speakers to revive your spirit, and MUCH MORE—all for less than $100 per person! You just can’t beat that!
Ø Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Islamic retreat that is offered NO WHERE else in the country! And the retreat center, Dar Al-Islam, is absolutely amazing.
Ø It’s perfect for people of all ages & backgrounds!
Ø You will get to have fun, relax away from the city, bond with your family, meet new people and enjoy Allah’s creation!
Ø Special guest speakers include: Dawud Wharnsby Ali, Carema Ben Masaud, and Dr. Liyakat Takim!
Location: Dar Al-Islam
Dar Al-Islam is a spiritual haven that looks like a picture from a postcard in Northern Africa! Nestled just between the awe-inspiring hills of Plaza Blanca and the valley of the Rio Chama, this nonprofit mosque and retreat center was built in the 1980’s, with the mission of hosting conferences and retreats for Muslims and nonMuslims, in order to enrich the lives of Americans with the beautiful message of Islam. They are located on a vast, pristine desert of Abiquiu, New Mexico—1357 acres of land—where tourists and groups visit every year.
The madrasa was built in 1980 by renowned architect Hassan Fathi in an Adobe North African style. It’s simply breathtaking—quite a sight to behold here in North America! It has served as a spiritual oasis and MILA is proud to host our annual retreat there.
The small town of Abiquiu is a famous retreat spot for artists, spiritual seekers and vacationers and has been an inspirational muse for people, like painter Georgia O'Keefe, for centuries.
The madrasa features a beautiful mosque with handmade craftsmanship throughout, cozy courtyards, a lovely garden and much more! You can find out more information at their website: www.daralislam.org
Accommodations & Cost
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Rooms: Women will enjoy their stay in the private madrasa dormitories, where every sister gets a nice, comfy bed and a storage space for her clothes & belongings--and there's convenient access to restrooms. Men will stay separately in the yurt dormitories, where they also get comfy beds and storage bins. Clean public restrooms are available throughout the retreat center, as well as showers. There are no laundry facilities.
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Food: Delicious, healthy meals will be served to retreat guests, at no extra charge. And the food is always one of the best parts that guests always rave about. :-) Please e-mail us if you have any dietary restrictions we should know about. There are no stores within the immediate vicinity of Dar Al-Islam. You may bring water bottles and wrapped, non-perishable snacks but we must be sure to dispose of our waste properly and keep our dormitories free of all food.
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Early Registration fee (10% off!): Only $79.99 per adult; $149.99 per couple. Students are just $74.99, Youth (ages 11-17) $49.99 each, and a child (age 3-10) is just $44.99. For 3 days and 3 nights, You can't beat that price!
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Thanks to generous donors and community sponsors, you can enjoy this fabulous retreat for BELOW actual cost. That includes room, food, recreation, plus an educational program.
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These prices are good til May 20th, 11:59pm, then registration fees will go up 10%.
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No refunds will be given. No further discounts can be given, e.g. a guest cannot receive a discount if they plan to stay for less than 3 days/3 nights. No exceptions. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
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Babysitting will cost extra. More details to come...
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The $75 fee we charge per person does not even cover our basic costs. If Allah has blessed you with the money and desire to help out, we welcome any donations to can offer to help offset the costs. See the registration form. Jazakum Allahu Khair!
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Read "What to bring"
What kinds of activities will there be? Hiking, dynamic discussions, workshops, games, recreation, sports, and entertainment at night! And there will also be plenty of free time, relaxation, worship and remembrance of God too.
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Lil Kids (~4 & under): Baby sitting will be provided for young kids so parents and youth can enjoy the retreat program. More details to come...
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Big Kids (~5-11): A separate kids program will keep your children busy and having fun while you are in retreat sessions & activities. They'll have arts & crafts, games & lots of room to play outside!
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Youth (~12-17): There will be a fun and engaging program for youth with socializing, sports and skits!
Who should go?
Anyone! The program is designed for Muslims of all ages and backgrounds. There will be separate programs for kids, youth and adults (17+), but also activities for families to do together. Singles and couples will also find tons of stuff to enjoy as well! Folks from all ethnicities, perspectives and backgrounds are invited—there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Transportation
Ever seen the stunning landscape of the southwest? Well, the road trip down to Abiquiu is the perfect chance to do just that! Retreat guests are required to provide their own transportation (as families generally prefer traveling together anyway), but if you’d like to carpool with someone else, contact us and we’ll arrange a ride for you! Carpooling helps save you money by keeping retreat costs down. J
Confirmed Guest Speakers!
Ø Dr. Liyakat Takim: Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Denver and former Imam, Dr. Takim is one of the foremost figures in the Denver community in educating nonMuslims and conveying the message of Islam. He is a well-known speaker who appeals to Sunnis & Shias, young and old. Dr. Takim is married with 2 beautiful sons.
Ø Dawud Wharnsby Ali: World-famous musician and remarkable speaker in the Islamic network, Brother Dawud Wharnsby Ali is a Canadian Muslim convert who has dedicated his life to enriching the lives of children and adults with the beautiful message of Islam, particularly through the power of art and media. Br. Dawud is married with a beautiful baby girl.
Ø Carema Cook Ben Masaud: A voice for positive change and healing of hearts and families, Sister Carema Ben Masaud is a counselor and teacher at The Conflict Center in Denver, and also an avid activist with MILA. She specializes in Interfaith Dialogue and Charity Work, just to mention a few of her numerous contributions to the community. She is also an American Muslim convert, with an invaluable perspective on relationships, Islam and culture that is helping Muslims bridge the ideals of Islam with the reality we live in. Sr. Carema is married with 5 beautiful kids.
Ø Abdal-Hayy Weinman: Coming soon!
FAQ
Please read carefully all the information provided on this site—it just may be your question has already been addressed. If not, we’d be more than happy to answer any question or concern you have, to the best of our ability!
Questions? E-mail us at retreat@milacolorado.org