Historic Swearing-In of Zohran Mamdani as NYC Mayor

Breaking New Ground

On January 1, Zohran Mamdani will make history as the first New York City mayor to place his hand on the Quran during his swearing-in ceremony. Mamdani’s appointment marks a significant milestone, representing diverse demographics previously unseen in the mayor’s office—South Asian, millennial, and Muslim voices.

A Unique Choice of Qurans

According to senior adviser Zara Rahim, Mamdani will honor his heritage by using at least three different Qurans during the ceremonies. For his private swearing-in, he will hold his grandfather’s Quran, along with a Quran that belonged to renowned Black writer and historian Arturo Schomburg, which is being lent by the New York Public Library. During the public ceremony at City Hall, Mamdani will again feature his grandfather’s and grandmother’s Qurans, as reported by The New York Times.

Collaboration with Cultural Experts

Hiba Abid, the library’s curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, assisted Rahim and Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, in selecting a Quran for the inauguration. The choice of texts emphasizes a fusion of faith, identity, and New York’s rich history.

A Public Display of Heritage

The Schomburg Quran will be publicly displayed for the first time at a special exhibition at the New York Public Library, commencing the Tuesday following the inauguration. While it is not a legal requirement for elected officials to use a religious text during the oath of office, past mayors have predominantly opted for the Bible.

Significance of Faith in Mamdani’s Campaign

Mamdani’s faith played a crucial role in his campaign, making it particularly important for him to showcase both a family-owned Quran and one that belongs to a recognizable New York figure. Rahim remarked that this decision will help rectify "a long deferred absence" of Muslims in the city’s public life, making it a moment that resonates with all New Yorkers.

A Turning Point in Civic History

“This moment will mark a turning point in the civic history of New York City, and it belongs to every New Yorker whose lives shaped this city quietly, without ever being reflected back to them,” said Rahim.

A New Tradition in Swearing-In Ceremonies

Mamdani is joining an elite group of American elected officials who have used a Quran for their swearing-in ceremonies. Notably, Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general, was the first to do so in Congress in 2007, followed by Rep. Ilhan Omar from Minnesota. In New York, Shahana Hanif made headlines in 2022 for using a family Quran during her swearing-in to the City Council, stating that Mamdani’s choice symbolizes solidarity with the Muslim community both in New York City and globally.

This historic moment serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of civic identity and representation in America, bringing forth a more inclusive narrative for all communities.