The new mayor uses the Schomburg Quran to emphasize Islamic heritage and contemporary Muslim political participation in urban governance
Muslims in New York and American Politics
Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as the first Muslim mayor of New York City represents a culmination of decades of Muslim community organizing, activism, and electoral participation in the city’s political process. While Islam has been present in New York for centuries through immigrant communities from the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, and increasingly from other regions, Muslims have historically been underrepresented in elected political leadership relative to their population numbers. The election and inauguration of a Muslim mayor indicates significant shifts in both Muslim political mobilization and broader American willingness to embrace religious diversity in elected leadership.
The Dimensions of Mamdani’s Religious Identity
During his campaign, Mamdani made his Muslim faith central rather than peripheral to his political identity. He frequently appeared at mosques throughout the five boroughs and spoke about his religious practice and faith tradition in ways that previous Muslim candidates for major office have often avoided or downplayed. This approach represented a deliberate choice to be visibly Muslim in public space, to resist pressure to assimilate religiously while pursuing political power.
The Islamophobic Backlash and Mamdani’s Response
Mamdani’s candidacy generated Islamophobic rhetoric from opponents. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, after learning of Mamdani’s plan to use a Quran for his inauguration, posted on social media that the enemy was inside the gates, a statement that drew accusations of promoting anti-Muslim conspiracy theories. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights organization, has designated Tuberville as an anti-Muslim extremist based on his pattern of public statements.
Historical Context: Keith Ellison and the Quran Controversy
Mamdani’s use of the Quran echoes an earlier moment when Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress in 2006, faced intense condemnation for choosing to use a Quran for his ceremonial oath. Ellison’s decision generated national controversy, with conservative critics questioning whether a Muslim could be loyal to American constitutional principles. The decade and a half between Ellison’s oath and Mamdani’s inauguration suggests some evolution in American acceptance of Muslim political leadership, though anti-Muslim rhetoric persists.
Islam and Black History in America
Mamdani’s choice to use the Schomburg Quran connects his inauguration to the history of Islam among African Americans, a dimension of American history often overlooked in discussions of Islamic presence. The Schomburg Center was built on the collection of Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian who documented relationships between Black cultures and Islamic civilization. This connection highlights that Islam in America has diverse manifestations and histories, extending beyond immigrant communities to include African American Islamic movements and contributions.
Muslim Voter Mobilization in 2025
Mamdani’s campaign energized Muslim voters and particularly Muslim young people, many of whom were participating in electoral politics for the first time. Issues including Islamophobia, representation in government, and American foreign policy toward Muslim-majority nations motivated high levels of participation among Muslim communities. His primary victory demonstrated the electoral power of organized Muslim constituencies when mobilized around candidates reflecting their values and concerns.
Gaza and International Conflicts
During his campaign, Mamdani was outspoken about Israeli government policies toward Palestinians and Israeli military operations in Gaza. Critics, including Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, attacked Mamdani over his positions on Middle East policy, describing him variously as a terrorist sympathizer and jihadist. Mamdani’s resilience despite these attacks indicated that Muslim voters, and broader progressive constituencies, prioritized his economic platform and municipal governance vision over his Middle East policy positions.
Religion in Public Life
Mamdani’s inauguration raises questions about the role of religious identity and practice in secular democratic governance. While New York does not require mayors to take oaths on any religious text, the practice of using religious texts continues because it reflects the demographics and values of the city’s population. The choice to use a Quran rather than a Bible represents an assertion that Muslim religious tradition belongs in American public life and governance.
Looking Forward
Whether Mamdani’s election signals a sustained opening for Muslim political leadership or represents an exceptional moment depends on factors including the success of his administration, the political economy of Muslim constituency power, and broader trends in American attitudes toward religious diversity. For information on Muslim communities in America and Islamic organizations working on civic engagement, see the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ website and advocacy resources. For academic research on Muslims in American politics, see the Brookings Institution’s research on religion, politics, and governance. Mamdani’s visible, unapologetic presence as a Muslim leader in America’s highest-profile municipal office sends a message that resonates far beyond New York City.
