What to bring and expect
What to Expect
The program, for both adults and youth, will feature Islamic lectures & workshops, prayers & dhikr, and also many outdoor activities for all ages such as hiking, sports, games and more. The Dar Al Islam Center is in a gorgeous remote location of the New Mexico desert—the land is dry and rugged, so bring clothes that are appropriate for outdoors.
No Internet
This gorgeous Dar Al Islam retreat location is very remote and as such, there is no internet service and the cell signal is very bad and not reliable. This remoteness truly allows you and your family to disengage from the continuous worldly noise of our phones, Ipads, computers, and other electronic gadgets - and instead focus on improving our faith, engaging with our speakers, and our wonderful MILA family.
Friday night
After settling in and eating dinner, we'll have an introduction and orientation session.
Saturday & Sunday
The weekend will be full of things to do, such as morning hikes, activities, a few workshops, prayers, games, sports, Qur'an and more. But if you'd rather take the afternoons to relax, spend time in solitude or socializing, the time is yours to spend as you see fit!
Monday morning
This will be our last time together, we'll have a heartfelt concluding session and then get ready to leave. Guests are encouraged to visit other parts of beautiful New Mexico on their way home, if they have time!

Climate/Weather in Abiquiu, NM
At 6000 ft elevation, the late spring in Abiquiu is lovely. Summer days are warm in the morning, hot and tempestuous in the afternoon with spectacular storms thundering down the mountains. Then at dusk, all grows quiet except for a call to prayer or the cry of a hawk piercing the veil of serenity that descends upon the land with the setting sun. Summer nights are ideal for walkabouts under the bright and starry vault of the New Mexico sky. The climate is considerably drier than Denver, so drink plenty of water and plan accordingly.
We expect the days to be fairly warm, with high temperatures around the 70's to low 80's. Desert evenings can get chilly, with lows around the 40's and 50's. There is always a chance of rain, so be prepared.
For more info, please visit the Dar Al Islam website.
Remember to bring
You may bring wrapped, non-perishable snacks*. There are no businesses in the vicinity of Dar Al-Islam, so plan ahead! Breakfast, lunch & dinner are all provided though. (*Food & waste must be disposed of properly or it will not be allowed. We have a responsibility to keep the facilities clean.)
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You MUST provide your own bedding: Sleeping bag OR a Sheets & Blanket (guests sleep on twin size beds)
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Quran
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Pillow
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Toiletries, soap, shampoo
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Towel
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Flashlight
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Sunglasses
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Bug repellent
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Lip Balm
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Skin Moisturizing lotion
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Water bottle (A MUST!)
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Sunscreen
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Sturdy shoes for outdoors, hiking
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Sandals for indoors, showers
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Jacket or sweater
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Hat
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Notebook & pen/pencil
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Camera
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You may also want to bring a football, frisbee or something similar.
Parents with infants
There are no cribs or bassinets on-site. If you would like to bring a portable infant sleeper or a playpen with a bassinet, we will do our best to accommodate you and your baby, and find a suitable room for your needs :) Be sure to bring everything you'll need for baby's basic needs - feeding, cleaning, sleeping, safety, clothing, etc.