My Remarks on Muhammad at a Local Mosque

I shared my (Catholic) perspective on the Prophet at a prayerful celebration of his 1500th birthday outside Washington, D.C.

Chandelier surrounded by the 99 names of God

In September 2025, I was invited to the Crescent Islamic Center (CIC) in Chantilly, Virginia to offer remarks at an event commemorating the 1500^th birthday (mawlid) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The CIC welcomes both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims and serves an ethnically diverse congregation. The mawlid event featured several speakers reflecting on the significance of the Prophet—all of them were Muslim but me. There was also Qur’an recitation, congregational prayers, and singers from North Africa performing nasheeds in honor of Muhammad.

I enjoyed meeting many members of the community, admiring the masjid’s art and architecture, and watching children play and somersault across the prayer rugs. There are a few memories that will particularly stick with me:

The sun glinting through the wind-blown trees outside the mosque’s windows; the sounds of Surat al-Duha, its recitation filling the room and encompassing each of us; and the Prophetic kindness shown to by a smiling father to his little boy, sitting on his lap.

My full talk, along with a recording, is provided to paid subscribers below. Whether you are a free or paying supporter, thank you for reading and being part of the community at Digging Our Well.