After chasing the dream mentioned in the previous section for some years now and gathering experience, I came exactly to the same conclusion as Darul Islam in America: 'But even as construction continued, it became clear that a village of exemplary Muslims is not something to be engineered.'

The reasons being also very similar: 'Dar al Islam started in 1980 and a lot of the north American converts which were at that time attracted to the idea were short on authentic Islamic knowledge and had an abundance of opinions, many of which foreign to more traditional & scholarly knowledge. that caused a variety of tensions & conflicts among the area residents.'

A plan or concept consists of pieces you put together in a certain order to generate a certain picture and result. In order to set up the ideal village where Islam is practiced as it should be done, you would need ideal Muslims first! And unfortunately they are not in sight! Because of that, the village is merely a mirror of the situation of the Muslims today!

Islam is at its darkest hour! Although most of us can feel that changes are taking place and Islam is re-awakening, still we are all victims of "globalization" where the ego is worshipped. We are all not in control of our nafs yet and Shaitan takes advantage of that. He is doing his best efforts to destroy the project and unfortunately often succeeds in his mission sowing mistrust and animosity.

From Jaabir ibn 'Abdullah (radiyAllahu 'anhu) who said that Allah's Messenger said:

Indeed Satan has despaired that those who pray should worship (him) in the Arabian peninsular,
however (he seeks) to provoke animosity between them.

There were already a lot of quarrels going on here, and if people expect the place to be one of "peace, purity and brotherhood", the reality is still far from that!

However, there is hope! We found already the spirit we were looking for! Just look at this short email we got when we proposed somebody a plot of land for cheap because of ourself being in financial difficulties:

i didnt know you are stuck on money brother
i will send you 1000 euro as a donation (sadaqa) for you and your wife and baby
no need to benefit from your difficult situation bro

Of course, we did not accept this kind offer but were just happy to have found a true brother!

We will not succeed in building up a jama'at, which is in integral part of the project, by ongoing debates about "the right way".

"No people went astray after having been guided
save that they were afflicted with arguing."

If we are not willing to give up the debates for the sake of unity and for the sake of building up a jama'at with an Ameer as its head to whom is listened and obeyed to, it is better we stay alone!

"I asked 'What if there is no main body and no leader (jamaat)?'
He said 'Isolate yourself from all of these sects,
even if you have to eat the roots of trees
until death overcomes you while you are in that state.'"

This hadith tells us about a time when there is no jama'at. The hadith tells us to isolate ourselves then = to keep away from the quarrels and disputes!

We cannot force to build up a jama'at and doing all perfectly if our current state does not permit a jama'at! By trying to do this, Shaitan will take advantage and will cause not ending debates about the "right way" and how things should be done according to Qur'an and Sunnah!

In order to suceed, each of us has to work on his ego and that will take time. We all have to learn tolerance and be patient with others. The village and the jama'at cannot be engineered, it must grow, along with ourselves!

By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it; And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;- Truly he succeeds that purifies it. (The Sun 6-9)

The authentic Jama´ah, finally, must be engaged in the effort for moral and spiritual purification and growth (Tazkiyyah) of its members. (Sheik Imran Hosein)

Let us be patient! Soon a leader of the Muslims will arise and end all debates. With the coming of al-Mahdi a.s. we will find our destiny and finally realize Islam. The village is just a step towards it insyaAllah. So do not expect too much of it but also do not underestimate it. It is a step to be taken!

Please keep also the following in mind:

So feel welcome, but understand the difference between vision and reality! Do not be disappointed but help us to work towards the goal!