Dar-us-Salaam

Our Mission to Connect Hearts to Allah
We are building a model Islamic community—one that nurtures faith, knowledge, and service. Rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, our mission is to provide an environment where Islam is lived, learned, and shared. Through education, social services, and the remembrance of Allah, individuals and families are growing in their deen and contributing to the betterment of society.

Our Story
What began as a small group of believers dedicated to Islamic learning has grown into a thriving community serving thousands. In the early 1990s, Dar-us-Salaam was founded with a vision: to create a place where Muslims could learn, worship, and support one another as one ummah.

1980-1990
Laying the Foundation
Imam Safi Khan begins Islamic work in Maryland, focusing on teaching and counseling youth. He emphasizes the need for a community rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, planting the seeds for what will become Dar-us-Salaam.

1990-1995
The First Steps
Imam Safi Khan and local youth establish educational initiatives, including an evening Qur’an school and a visiting scholars program, setting the stage for structured Islamic learning.

1995-1996
Al-Huda School is Born
Dar-us-Salaam establishes Al-Huda School with 26 students (KG-2), providing an education built on both Islamic values and academic excellence.

1996-1997
A Community Begins to Take Shape
Al-Huda School expands to 74 students (KG-4) and moves to College Park, MD.
Dar-us-Salaam raises $3M in interest-free loans to purchase the College Park facility.
The Funding Development Office is established.

1998-2000
Growth and Expansion
Al-Huda School grows to 300 students and adds middle school grades.
Al-Huda Preschool opens with 40 students.
FAITH Publications is founded to develop Islamic curriculum.
The Muslim Link newspaper launches.
Sooq Al-Huda, a bookstore and gift shop, opens.
Aqabah Karate and the Islamic Information Center are established.

2002-2003
Strengthening Our Foundations
Dar-us-Salaam pays off its $1M loan, securing full ownership of its building.
Full-time Hifzh School is launched with 10 students.
Al-Maghrib Institute is founded as a Dar-us-Salaam initiative.

2004-2009
Academic and Community Achievements
Dar-us-Salaam wins its first MIST (Muslim Interscholastic Tournament) title.
Al-Huda School becomes accredited and expands to high school.
Social Services Department is formally established.
Aqabah Karate competes nationally, earning 62 medals.
Muslim Funfest carnival debuts with over 10,000 attendees.
Al-Huda School’s second branch opens in Pennsylvania.
Dar-us-Salaam graduates 35 Huffazh from the Hifzh School.

2010-2015
Scaling Impact and Recognition
Al-Huda High School’s first graduation takes place, celebrating 14 seniors.
Tooba University launches with 150 students.
FAITH Publications begins work on a modern Islamic Studies curriculum.
Dar-us-Salaam expands its social services into Ansaar-ul-Birr Community Services.

2016-2019
Strengthening Our Services
Community raises $800K for a major roof replacement.
iMuslimah leads a Musallah renovation project.
Elderberries social program for seniors launches.
Cars4Jannah vehicle donation service is established.
Dar-us-Salaam celebrates its 100th Hifzh School graduate.

2020-2021
Adapting and Innovating
Al-Huda School pivots to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Al-Huda Global School launches, enrolling 74 students worldwide.
Ansaar-ul-Birr partners with major relief organizations, distributing tons of food.

2022-2023
National Recognition and Expansion
Ansaar-ul-Birr is recognized by the City of College Park for its outstanding service.
Al-Huda Global School is accredited by the Middle States Association.
Strategic Communications and the Projects & Programs Office are formed to professionalize operations.

2024
The Future Continues
Sheikh Sabri Benkahla is hired as Assistant Imam.
The Qur’an Institute graduates its first senior citizen hafizh.
SacredBond.org launches, facilitating its first marriage.