2023 Program Theme
This year's theme will be the SEERAH of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As is the custom with all our MILA Retreat Programs, our esteemed guest speakers will be delivering very intellectual and thought provoking lectures that will inspire you to reflect and implement new family wide strategies to enable you to be the very best Muslim you can be. InshaAllah you will come out of this year's retreat with your Iman recharged and with tangible takeaways for Islamic growth.
Meaning of Seerah:
In the Arabic language, the term ‘Seerah’ comes from the basic root verb “Saara, Yaseeru” which means: “to travel or to be on a journey.” The biography of a person is called seerah, because when we study and read one's biography, we actually are traveling or talking about one's journey through life. Similarly, when we study the blessed life and the times of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we are traveling in his journey and it is as if we are basically following his footsteps.
Why Study the Seerah?
Studying the Seerah is a sign of love for the Prophet (PBUH) and it increases our love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Loving him is enjoined upon us and it is one of the principles of Faith. We should love him more than our parents, children, all people, and even our own selves. Narrated Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.”
(Al-Bukhari 15).
Allah (SWT) has also instructed us to know our beloved Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (PBUH). He (SWT) says:
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent role model for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.”
(Al-Ahzab 33:21).
One of the important principles of this verse is to follow the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in all his words and deeds. The obligation of studying Seerah is apparent from this verse. Therefore, the study of the life and times of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is the study of an exemplary role model whom we need to follow.
Our featured and distinguished speakers:
Dr. Hassan Elwan holds a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State University. He holds numerous patents and has extensively published in the field of microelectronics. He is currently a Distinguished Engineer at Marvell technology. Dr. Elwan also has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and is currently leading the counseling department at the Rahma Center in Lake Forest, California. He regularly lectures about Islam and spirituality in Southern California and provides professional counseling services to the community that are grounded in both psychology and spirituality.
Sheikh Taha Hassane is currently serving as the Imam/Director of the Islamic Center of San Diego. He joined ICSD in September 2004 from the Colorado Muslim Youth Foundation where he served as a youth instructor.
He graduated from the Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of Algiers, Algeria, and served as a high school teacher and Imam in Ténès, Algeria, for ten years before coming to the United States.
Imam Taha also holds a Master's Degree of Theology in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana.
Our distinguishing Youth Sponsors:
Founded in 2018, MYPI is a grassroots non-profit organization, empowering youth with the Islamic identity and principles to make a positive impact on their communities, environment and relationships that promote responsible citizenship and stewardship. Please take the time to learn more about the wonderful and important ways MYPI serves our youth here in Colorado by clicking HERE (mypi.org).
We would like to thank MYPI for very generously offering to sponsor $50 towards the cost of each COLORADO youth ticket for our youth ages that fall between 11 and 18 years of age for the first 33 Colorado youth ONLY. So please bring your youth.
Youth program for 13 to 17 year olds
This thoughtful, spiritual, and educational program will be delivered by our guest speakers with support from Aijaz Ansari and Abdulla Ermila from MYPI.
Older kids' program for 8 to 12 year olds
This will be a reflective, exciting and an engaging program for our pre-teens.
Kids program for 4 to 7 year olds
This will be an artistic and fun program for our juniors.
Babysitting for 3 and under year olds
There is a babysitting fee for the MILA Retreat for children 3 and under as we wanted to provide the opportunity for mothers and fathers alike to attend all lectures while being able to fully focus without distraction.
This year’s retreat will be better than ever inshaAllah! We listened to your suggestions from our past retreats and are catering to your needs. You do not want to miss out on this event, a spiritual three night mini vacation at the blessed Dar Al-Islam Center in Abiquiu, New Mexico. This all inclusive retreat will include guest speakers to revive your faith, all meals provided, archery, hiking, recreation, games, fun ... and a lot more for the whole family.
Get away from the noise and chaos of daily life and relax in the peace and tranquility of the Dar Al Islam Center.
WHY GO?
You don’t want to miss out on this event! A spiritual mini-vacation at a an unbeatable 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 faith, and a chance to escape from the noise and chaos of daily life.
Location
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 non-Muslims in order to enrich the lives of Americans with the beautiful message of Islam. Dar Al Islam is located on a vast, pristine desert of Abiquiu, New Mexico—1357 acres of land—where tourists and groups visit every year.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available in terms of dorms or yurts with separate and convenient facilities for men and women. The cost is reasonable but, as a non profit event, the retreat will be priced below cost thanks to generous donors and sponsors.
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 would like to carpool with someone else, contact us and we will try to arrange a ride for you!
Who should go?
Absolutely anyone! The program is designed for people of all ages and backgrounds. There will be separate programs for kids, youth and adults, but also activities for families to do together. Singles and couples will also find tons of stuff to enjoy as well! Those from all faiths, ethnicities, perspectives and backgrounds are invited — there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Accommodation and Cost
Rooms:
Women will enjoy their stay in private dormitories where every sister gets a nice, comfy bed and a storage space for her clothes & belongings with convenient access to restrooms. Men will stay separately in the yurt dormitories, where they also get comfy beds and storage bins. Clean public restrooms and showers are available throughout the retreat center. There are no laundry facilities on site.
Food:
Delicious, appetizing meals will be served to retreat guests at no extra charge. The food is always one of the best parts of the retreat that our guests always rave about. There are no stores within the immediate vicinity of Dar Al-Islam. You may bring water bottles and wrapped, non-perishable snacks, but you must be sure to dispose of your waste properly and keep our dormitories free of all food.
Registration and Fees:
VERY IMPORTANT:
Kindly ensure that you organize your day such that you arrive at the Dar Al Islam Campus on Friday between 4.30pm and 7:30pm ONLY. This will keep you and your family safe by ensuring that you are not traveling on risky side roads with no cell signal after dark. It will also ensure that you arrive in time for registration, finding and checking in to your accommodation/rooms, unpacking, dinner, and important introductions and updates.
Dinner will be served between 7:30pm and 8:45pm only. We are unable to serve dinner after 8:45pm.
Also from the important aspect of Islamic Athab/manners, you will be helping the organizers keep to the schedule and not have to miss their own dinner or work later than is reasonable to register and check you in. Please be thoughtful and mindful of your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.
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$260 for adults 19 years and above ($170 if you stay in a nearby hotel instead of staying at Dar Al Islam).
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$190 for youth aged 11 to 18 (MYPI is sponsoring $50 for each youth aged 11 to 18, so please bring your youth).
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$240 for kids aged 4 to 18 years old. ($150 if you stay in a nearby hotel instead of staying at Dar Al Islam).
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Babysitting for 3 and under will be provided for a separate fee of $140 per child for the full retreat while lectures are being conducted.
You will not be able to beat the price for 3 days and 3 nights!
Thanks to generous donors and community sponsors, you can enjoy this fabulous retreat for BELOW actual cost which includes room, food, recreation, and an educational program for the whole family.
Refunds and Discounts:
Once you have registered we are unable to provide refunds. No further discounts can be given if a guest plans to stay for less than 3 days/3 nights. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Scholarships and Donations:
If Allah has blessed you with the money and desire to help out, we welcome any scholarships and donations you can offer to help offset the costs for attendees and expenses. See the registration form for scholarships and donations. Jazakum Allahu Khairan and may Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly!
What to Bring:
Click here > "What to bring".
Speakers, Program, and Prices are subject to change.
What kinds of activities will there be?
Archery, hiking, dynamic discussions, workshops, games, recreation, sports, campfires, and entertainment at night! There will also be plenty of free time for relaxation, worship and the rememberance of Allah SWT.
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? Use Contact Form to contact us.