Zohran Mamdani Makes History: First NYC Mayor to Take Oath on Quran, Embracing Diversity

In a groundbreaking moment for New York, incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani will make history by taking his oath on a centuries-old Quran. This milestone marks the first time a mayor has sworn on a Quran, rather than the traditional Bible. The ceremony, set to take place in a historic subway station beneath City Hall, will see Mamdani place his hand on two Qurans, one belonging to his grandfather and another dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century. Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat, will become the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born person to hold the position of Mayor. His campaign focused on affordability and social issues, resonating with South Asian and Muslim voters across the city. The Quran, part of the New York Public Library's Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture, is a significant artifact symbolizing the diversity and reach of New York City's Muslim community. According to Hiba Abid, the library's curator, the Quran's small size belies its importance, representing the intersection of faith and identity in New York's history. The manuscript's origins are shrouded in mystery, but scholars estimate it to be from the Ottoman period, possibly from a region now comprising Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan. While Mamdani's decision to use the Quran has been met with criticism from conservatives, including US Senator Tommy Tuberville, it has also sparked a sense of pride and inclusivity among many New Yorkers. Following the inauguration, the Quran will be put on public display at the New York Public Library, allowing citizens to appreciate its historical significance.