Zohran Mamdani’s first day in office was a historic one. He was sworn into office as New York City’s mayor alongside two family editions of the Quran, marking a historic moment for representation and inclusion in one of the nation’s most diverse cities. The beautiful ceremony took place at an invite-only gala. Mamdani borrowed the 19th-century edition of the Quran from the New York Public Library and matched it with his grandfather’s Quran.
New York City permits its mayors to swear in without a Bible. While legally any book or none at all could be used, in practice most previous mayors have decided to add a Bible to this tradition. Mamdani’s use of the Quran speaks to both personal meaning and a wider cultural representation at the same time. He’s the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of America’s largest metropolis. His swearing-in becomes the last coincidence of a tremendous turning point for both the city and American politics as a whole.
The 19th-century Quran that Mamdani uses has its own fascinating history. It was formerly owned by Arturo Schomburg, the legendary Afro-Puerto Rican historian and writer. He was considered Puerto Rico’s first modern artist, born of German and Afro-Caribbean descent in Puerto Rico’s 1870s. Schomburg’s extensive collection of 4,000 books, which he sold to the NYPL in 1926, eventually became the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, an institution dedicated to preserving African American culture and history.
Mamdani is particularly excited to use two additional copies of the Quran that belonged to his grandparents. He’ll fashion them into a formal proclamation during a ceremony at New York City Hall later this week. His private swearing-in Quran, by contrast, is pocket-sized and written in thick black and red ink. This thoughtful design reflects that it was indeed intended for day-to-day use, emphasizing Mamdani’s profoundly rooted relationship to his culture.
“The significance of this Quran extends far beyond the beauty of its pages,” – Hiba Abid
Mamdani’s decision to swear in with the Quran symbolizes a pivotal moment in the narrative of civic engagement in New York City. As Anthony W. Marx, president of the NYPL, stated, it “symbolizes a greater story of inclusion, representation, and civic-mindedness.” Such actions speak volumes about the Mayor’s commitment to embracing diversity within the city’s leadership and signal an extraordinary, evolving political landscape.
In his inaugural address, Mamdani pledged to take pride in his identity and faith.
“I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own,” – Zohran Mamdani
On its surface, Mamdani’s oath is deeply historic. This moment means the world to so many of our constituents who see it as an important step toward being accepted into and represented in public office. His decision to use personal beliefs to speak out at such a consequential event clearly shows the relevance of inclusivity in American politics.
Mamdani has only just begun his term as mayor. We believe that he is truly devoted to following the law and enforcing the values that he swore to promise. His swearing-in with the Quran represents a personal milestone for him. More importantly, it represents a continuing movement to celebrate diversity in leadership roles around America.
