NEW YORK — Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani took his midnight oath of office on a centuries-old Quran, marking the first time a mayor of New York City uses Islam’s holy text to be sworn in and underscoring a series of historic firsts for the city.

The 34-year-old Democrat became mayor in a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall, the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born person to hold that position.

These milestones reflect the longstanding and vibrant Muslim residents of the nation’s most populous city. Most of Mamdani’s predecessors were sworn in on a Bible, although the oath does not mandate the use of any religious text.

Mamdani focused heavily on affordability during his campaign but publicly embraced his Muslim faith, visiting mosques across all five boroughs to build support among South Asian and Muslim voters.

A look at the Qurans used

During the ceremony, two Qurans were utilized: his grandfather’s 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 latter Quran symbolizes the diversity of the city's Muslim community.

The Quran’s journey to Mamdani symbolizes his own multicultural heritage, having roots in South Asia, Uganda, and the U.S.

Identity amidst controversy

While Mamdani's rise to office has been viewed with pride, the nationalist rhetoric surrounding his candidacy has prompted acts of Islamophobia. He has made it clear that he won’t hide his faith, vowing to stand proud in public.

Following the inauguration, the Quran used will be displayed at the New York Public Library, encouraging an exploration of Islamic life and history in New York City.

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