Historic Inauguration: New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sworn In on Centuries-Old Quran
New York City ushered in a new era on Thursday as Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office, becoming the city’s first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born mayor. the inauguration was marked by a historic first: Mamdani swore his oath on a centuries-old quran, a symbolic gesture reflecting the city’s diverse population and a moment of profound meaning for Muslim Americans.
The 34-year-old Democrat’s swearing-in took place in a unique setting – a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall – further emphasizing the unconventional nature of his rise to power. This landmark event underscores a series of “historic firsts” for New York City, signaling a potential shift in the city’s political landscape.
The choice of the Quran, according to a scholar involved in the selection process, reflects the “longstanding and vibrant Muslim residents of the nation’s most populous city.” While the oath of office does not mandate the use of any religious text, Mamdani’s decision carries considerable weight, notably given his vocal commitment to his faith throughout his campaign. He frequently visited mosques across the five boroughs, cultivating a strong base of support among first-time South Asian and Muslim voters.
A Trio of Holy Texts
During the inauguration ceremonies, Mamdani also utilized a Torah and a Bible, representing the city’s interfaith community. The Quran selected for the occasion is part of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s collection,a testament to arthur Schomburg’s dedication to collecting artifacts of people of African descent. Scholars believe Schomburg’s acquisition reflected his interest in the past connections between Islam and Black cultures in the United States and Africa.
Unlike lavishly decorated religious texts frequently enough associated with the elite, this Quran is characterized by its modest design: a deep red binding adorned with a simple floral medallion, and text rendered in black and red ink. Its plain, readable script suggests it was intended for everyday use, rather than ceremonial display. As Abid emphasized, “The importance of this Quran lies not in luxury, but in accessibility.”
Scholars estimate the manuscript originated during the Ottoman period, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, in a region encompassing present-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan. Abid noted that the Quran’s path to New York mirrors Mamdani’s own multifaceted background, as he is a South asian New Yorker born in Uganda, while his wife, Rama Duwaji, is American-Syrian.
Navigating Identity and Backlash
Mamdani’s ascent has not been without its challenges. His campaign and election were met with a surge of Islamophobic rhetoric, amplified by national media attention. In an emotional address delivered days before the election, Mamdani resolutely declared, “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own. I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.”
The decision to use a Quran has predictably drawn criticism from some conservative circles.U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama sparked controversy by posting on social media, “The enemy is inside the gates,” in response to news of the inauguration. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has labeled Tuberville an anti-Muslim extremist, citing his previous statements.
This type of backlash is not unprecedented. In 2006, Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, faced similar condemnation after choosing to use a quran for his oath of office.
Following the inauguration, the historic Quran will be placed on public display at the New York Public Library, offering the public an opportunity to engage with this significant artifact.Abid hopes the increased attention will encourage broader exploration of the library’s collections documenting Islamic life in New York, including early 20th-century Armenian and Arabic music and firsthand accounts of Islamophobia following the September 11th attacks.
“This manuscript was meant to be used by ordinary readers when it was produced,” Abid concluded. “Today it lives in a public library were anyone can encounter it.”
Associated Press writers Jake Offenhartz in New York and Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama, contributed.
