Historic Inauguration: Zohran Mamdani to be Sworn in on Quran as NYC's First Muslim Mayor
A Milestone for New York City
New York: Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor, is set to take his oath of office on a historic Quran, marking a significant first for New York City. This event highlights a series of groundbreaking achievements as he becomes the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born individual to assume this role.
The 34-year-old Democrat will be sworn in at a long-abandoned subway station beneath City Hall, a location that adds to the uniqueness of the occasion. The Quran he will use symbolizes the rich history and presence of Muslim communities in the city, as noted by a scholar who assisted Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, in selecting the text.
Traditionally, mayors have taken their oaths on a Bible, but the oath itself does not mandate the use of any religious scripture.
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani emphasized affordability issues while also being vocal about his Muslim identity, frequently visiting mosques across the five boroughs to connect with first-time South Asian and Muslim voters.
The Qurans for the Ceremony
During the subway ceremony, Mamdani will place his hand on two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and a pocket-sized version from the late 18th or early 19th century, housed at the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
This particular Quran represents the diversity of the city's Muslim population, according to Hiba Abid, the library's curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. She remarked, "It’s a small Quran, but it encapsulates elements of faith and identity in New York City history."
For a follow-up swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on New Year's Day, Mamdani plans to use both his grandfather's and grandmother's Qurans, although further details about these heirlooms have not been disclosed.
The Journey of the Manuscript
The Quran was once owned by Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian known for his collection that highlighted the contributions of people of African descent. While the exact circumstances of how Schomburg acquired the Quran remain unclear, it is believed to reflect his interest in the connections between Islam and Black cultures in the U.S. and Africa.
Unlike lavish religious texts associated with elites, the Quran Mamdani will use is modestly designed, featuring a deep red binding and simple floral motifs, written in black and red ink. Its plain script suggests it was intended for everyday use rather than ceremonial purposes.
Abid emphasized that the manuscript's significance lies in its accessibility, stating, "The importance of this Quran lies not in luxury, but in accessibility." Scholars estimate its production date to be in the late 18th or early 19th century during the Ottoman period, likely from a region encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan.
The manuscript's journey to New York parallels Mamdani's own diverse background, as he is a South Asian New Yorker born in Uganda, while his wife, Duwaji, has American-Syrian roots.
Facing Controversy
Mamdani's rapid ascent as a Muslim democratic socialist has also sparked a rise in Islamophobic sentiments, particularly as the race gained national attention. In a heartfelt speech shortly before the election, he expressed that the hostility only strengthened his commitment to openly embrace his faith.
"I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own," he declared. "I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light."
His choice to use a Quran has drawn criticism from some conservative figures, including U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who commented on social media, "The enemy is inside the gates," in reaction to news about Mamdani's inauguration. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has labeled Tuberville as an anti-Muslim extremist due to his previous remarks.
This backlash is reminiscent of the criticism faced by Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, when he opted to use a Quran for his ceremonial oath in 2006.
Following the inauguration, the Quran will be displayed at the New York Public Library. Abid hopes that the attention surrounding the ceremony, whether positive or negative, will encourage more individuals to explore the library's collections that document Islamic life in New York, including early 20th-century Armenian and Arabic music recorded in the city and firsthand accounts of Islamophobia post-September 11.
"This manuscript was meant to be used by ordinary readers when it was produced," Abid concluded.