New York City: Incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will make history by taking his oath of office on a centuries-old Quran, the first time a mayor of the city has used Islam’s holy book for the ceremony.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat, will be sworn in at midnight on Thursday (IST) in a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall, an unconventional venue chosen to reflect his roots and connection to everyday New Yorkers, reported the NDTV World.
By placing his hand on the Quran, Mamdani becomes the first Muslim, the first South Asian, and the first African-born person to lead America’s most populous city. Most of his predecessors traditionally used a Bible for the oath, although U.S. law does not require any religious text when pledging to uphold the Constitution.
For the subway station ceremony, Mamdani will use two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and a pocket-sized late 18th- or early 19th-century Quran from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library. A later swearing-in at City Hall will feature additional family Qurans.
Scholars involved in selecting the historic Quran say it symbolizes the diversity and long presence of Muslim communities in New York City. The book’s modest design and everyday use reflect broad cultural roots rather than ceremonial grandeur.
Mamdani has been open about his Muslim faith throughout his campaign, attending mosques across the city and building support among first-time South Asian and Muslim voters. His choice to use the Quran, while celebrated by many, has also drawn criticism from some conservative commentators.
