Key Takeaways:
- Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani will be the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born person to hold the position of Mayor of New York City.
- Mamdani will take his 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.
- The Quran used for the ceremony is a historic manuscript that dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century and is part of the collection at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
- Mamdani’s decision to use a Quran has drawn criticism from some conservatives, but also highlights the diversity and vibrancy of Muslim residents in New York City.
- The Quran will go on public display at the New York Public Library after the inauguration, showcasing the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
Introduction to Zohran Mamdani
Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani will make history when he takes 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. This milestone is one of many that Mamdani will achieve as he becomes the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born person to hold the position of Mayor of New York City. The historic Quran he will use for the ceremony reflects the longstanding and vibrant Muslim residents of the nation’s most populous city.
The Significance of the Quran
The Quran that Mamdani will use is a historic manuscript that dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century and is part of the collection at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This copy of the Quran symbolizes the diversity and reach of the city’s Muslims, said Hiba Abid, the library’s curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. The manuscript is modest in design, with a deep red binding and a simple floral medallion, and is written in black and red ink. The script is plain and readable, suggesting it was created for everyday use rather than ceremonial display.
The Quran’s Journey to New York City
The manuscript was acquired by Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian whose collection documented the global contributions of people of African descent. While it is unclear how Schomburg came into possession of the Quran, scholars believe it reflected his interest in the historical relationship between Islam and Black cultures in the United States and across Africa. The Quran’s journey to New York mirrors Mamdani’s own layered background, as he is a South Asian New Yorker who was born in Uganda. Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, is American-Syrian, and the couple’s diverse heritage reflects the city’s rich cultural landscape.
Identity and Controversy
The meteoric rise of a Muslim democratic socialist has brought a surge of Islamophobic rhetoric, amplified by national attention on the race. In an emotional speech days before the election, Mamdani said the hostility had only strengthened his resolve to be visible about his faith. The decision to use a Quran has drawn fresh criticism from some conservatives, including U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who wrote on social media, "The enemy is inside the gates," in response to a news article about Mamdani’s inauguration. However, Mamdani’s commitment to his faith and his community has also inspired many, and his inauguration is seen as a milestone in the city’s history.
A New Era for New York City
Following the inauguration, the Quran will go on public display at the New York Public Library, showcasing the city’s rich Islamic heritage. Abid hopes that attention surrounding the ceremony – whether supportive or critical – will prompt more people to explore the library’s collections documenting Islamic life in New York. The Quran’s story is one of many that reflect the city’s diverse and vibrant Muslim community, and Mamdani’s inauguration marks a new era for the city, one that celebrates its rich cultural heritage and promotes inclusivity and diversity. As Mamdani takes office, he will face many challenges, but his commitment to his faith and his community will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of leaders and citizens.