In a groundbreaking moment that challenges the status quo, Zohran Mamdani made history as the first New York City mayor to take the oath of office using a Quran, marking a significant shift in the city’s political and cultural landscape. But here’s where it gets even more profound: Mamdani didn’t just choose any Quran—he selected two deeply personal and historically significant editions for his swearing-in ceremonies, blending his own heritage with the rich tapestry of New York’s past.
On Thursday, during a private event held in a disused subway station beneath the bustling Times Square, Mamdani used his grandfather’s Quran alongside a 200-year-old copy borrowed from the New York Public Library (NYPL). This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it was a powerful statement about identity, faith, and the intersection of personal and public history. And this is the part most people miss: the historic Quran once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a Black historian and writer whose collection of 4,000 books became the cornerstone of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Schomburg, born in Puerto Rico to parents of German and Afro-Caribbean descent, was a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a period of immense cultural and intellectual growth within New York’s Black community.
For Friday’s public ceremony at New York City Hall, Mamdani plans to use two family Qurans—one belonging to his grandfather and the other to his grandmother. This choice underscores his commitment to honoring his roots while embracing the diversity of the city he now leads. The NYPL praised Mamdani’s decision, highlighting the Quran’s connection to Schomburg as a symbol of inclusion and representation. The library noted the Quran’s modest design—small in size, with black and red ink—suggesting it was intended for everyday use. Its intricate naskh script and Ottoman-style binding hint at its 19th-century origins in Syria, making it both a religious text and a historical artifact.
Hiba Abid, curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, emphasized the Quran’s broader significance: ‘It’s a Quran close to the people, not just because of its craftsmanship, but because it’s part of the nation’s largest public library system.’ Anthony W. Marx, the library’s president and CEO, added that the choice ‘symbolizes a greater story of inclusion, representation, and civic-mindedness.’
Mamdani’s use of the Quran is particularly notable given that New York does not require mayors to swear on a religious text. While many past mayors, including Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, opted for family Bibles, Mamdani’s decision stands out as a bold assertion of his identity as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. His campaign, which celebrated New York’s diversity, openly addressed his Ugandan-born South Asian heritage, his faith, and the impact of the September 11 attacks on Muslim communities. In viral social media videos, Mamdani candidly discussed the rise of Islamophobia and amplified the voices of everyday New Yorkers, particularly Muslim and immigrant communities.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians and its actions in Gaza has drawn sharp rebuke from critics like New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who labeled him a ‘jihadist Communist’ and ‘terrorist’ sympathizer. Mamdani, however, has remained unapologetic, declaring during his campaign, ‘I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own. I will find myself in the light.’
This moment raises a thought-provoking question: How should we balance personal identity and political leadership in an increasingly diverse society? Is Mamdani’s bold embrace of his heritage a step forward for representation, or does it risk polarizing an already divided public? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
