Grandfather’s Quran and 18th-Century Islamic Manuscript Mark Religious Milestone for NYC
Breaking Religious Barriers in City History
Zohran Mamdani became the first New York City mayor to take the oath of office using a Quran, marking a historic first in the city’s 374-year history. Most of Mamdani’s predecessors were sworn in on a Bible, although the oath to uphold the federal, state, and city constitutions does not require the use of any religious text. The choice reflects the vibrant Muslim community that has long called New York City home, from early 20th-century immigrants to contemporary first and second-generation Americans. Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, selected the Qurans with assistance from scholars, choosing texts of profound historical and personal significance. While Mamdani focused heavily on affordability during his campaign, he was outspoken about his Muslim faith, frequently appearing at mosques across the five boroughs as he built support that included many first-time South Asian and Muslim voters.
Two Qurans, Two Stories of Islamic Heritage
Mamdani placed his hand on two texts: his grandfather’s personal Quran and a pocket-sized version dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. The grandfather’s Quran carries personal family history and connection to Islamic heritage spanning generations, while the historic copy represents the longstanding presence of Islamic scholarship and practice in Western civilization. For young Muslim voters and immigrant communities, the moment carries profound symbolic meaning about representation and belonging in American democracy. The use of the Quran during inauguration represents validation and recognition for Muslim New Yorkers, signaling that their faith, identity, and community are integral to the city’s civic life. City officials noted that the moment was particularly significant for a city that has often been at the forefront of both celebrating diversity and experiencing discrimination against immigrant and Muslim communities.
A Public Display for Education and Inclusion
Following the inauguration, the historic Quran was placed on display at the New York Public Library’s main branch, making it accessible to all New Yorkers interested in the city’s Islamic heritage. Scholars hope the attention surrounding the ceremony will prompt more people to explore the library’s collections documenting Islamic life in New York, ranging from early 20th century Armenian and Arabic music recorded in the city to firsthand accounts of how Muslim communities responded to Islamophobia after the September 11 attacks. The New York Public Library noted that hosting the Quran aligns with its mission to provide access to materials that illuminate the full diversity of human experience and culture. One scholar working with Mamdani’s team emphasized that the original Quran “was meant to be used by ordinary readers when it was produced. Today it lives in a public library where anyone can encounter it.” This transformation of a personal religious artifact into a public educational resource demonstrates how Mamdani’s inauguration celebrates both personal faith and civic inclusion.
