Zohran Mamdani's Historic Inauguration: A Journey of Faith and Identity

Sat Jan 03 2026 07:10:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

New York City’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will be sworn in on a centuries-old Quran, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of the city's Muslim community and marking a pivotal moment in its history.

Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City's first Muslim mayor, utilizing a historic Quran for his oath of office. His inauguration highlights both personal milestones—being South Asian and born in Africa—and broader cultural significance, reflecting the integration and diversity of the Muslim community in New York. Mamdani's decision, while celebrated, has sparked controversy and underscores the ongoing discourse around identity and representation in politics.

NEW YORK - As he prepares to take office, Zohran Mamdani will make history on a midnight stage, swearing in as New York City's mayor with a centuries-old Quran, breaking from tradition in a city rich with Muslim heritage.

The 34-year-old Democrat is set to make history as the city's first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born mayor, and his chosen text marks a significant moment for the diverse Muslim population in the nation's largest city.

While most mayors have traditionally taken their oaths on a Bible, Mamdani's choice reflects both his personal faith and the broader narrative of inclusiveness within the city's landscape, according to scholars involved in his inauguration.

During the ceremony, which occurs in a long-forgotten subway station beneath City Hall, Mamdani will touch two Qurans: a pocket-sized edition from the New York Public Library’s collection, dating back to the late 18th century, and his grandfather’s copy. The pocket Quran symbolizes accessibility and everyday faith practices, a message echoed by library curator Hiba Abid who emphasized the importance of these texts for ordinary Muslims.

In a subsequent ceremony on New Year’s Day at City Hall, Mamdani will also include his grandmother’s Quran, adding further significance and heritage.

This Quran underlines the historical ties between Islam and communities of color in the U.S., paralleling Mamdani’s own multicultural background, Abid noted.

However, Mamdani's ascendency has not been without its challenges. His rise as a Muslim democratic socialist has amplified Islamophobic rhetoric, highlighting the complex landscape of identity politics in America. Despite facing these obstacles, he has remained steadfast, stating, I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light. The backlash against his choice of swearing-in text has drawn parallels with past instances of Muslim public figures facing similar scrutiny.

This historic Quran will be exhibited at the New York Public Library following the inauguration, an opportunity for the community to engage with a text that represents both history and contemporary discussions on faith. Abid hopes that this increased visibility will encourage exploration of the library's vast collections relating to Islamic culture and experiences in New York.