Zohran Mamdani Creates History, Becomes New York’s First Muslim Mayor After Taking Oath on the Quran
New York | January 1, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
A historic and symbolic moment was recorded in New York City on January 1 as Zohran Mamdani took oath as the city’s mayor. He became the first mayor of New York to take the oath of office using the Holy Quran.
This moment is being seen as an important milestone in the city’s history and a reflection of New York’s diverse population. Mamdani is also among the few elected officials in the United States who have taken oath on the Quran.
Zohran Mamdani comes from a background never seen before in the mayor’s office. He is young, of South Asian origin, and a Muslim. New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, and Mamdani’s wife was present during the ceremony.
During the private oath-taking ceremony, Mamdani used two copies of the Quran. One belonged to his grandfather, while the other was linked to Arturo Schomburg, a well-known writer and historian. The second Quran was provided by the New York Public Library.
Hiba Abid, Curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the New York Public Library, said she helped select the Qurans along with Mamdani’s senior advisor Zara Rahim and his wife Rama Duwaji. She described the moment as a powerful connection of faith, identity, and New York’s history.
The Quran linked to Arturo Schomburg will be displayed in a special public exhibition at the library starting Tuesday, after the oath ceremony.
Under US law, elected officials are not required to use any religious book during oath-taking. However, by tradition, many mayors have taken oath on the Bible. Mamdani said it was important for him to use a Quran connected to his family and another linked to a historical figure important to New York.
Zara Rahim said the decision reflects an effort to address the long-ignored representation of Muslims in public life. She added that this moment belongs to all those who helped build the city but never saw themselves represented in its leadership.
According to The New York Times, at least three different copies of the Quran were planned to be used during the oath ceremonies, including family heirlooms and historically significant editions.
In the past too, New York mayors have used items of personal or historical value during their oath-taking. In 2021, Eric Adams used his mother’s Bible along with her photograph, while Bill de Blasio used a Bible once owned by former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The tradition of using the Quran during oath ceremonies in the US began in 2007 when Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison did so in Congress. Later, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar also took oath on the Quran. In 2022, New York City Council member Shahana Hanif took oath on her family’s Quran.
Hanif said Mamdani’s action is a strong symbol of unity with Muslim communities not just in New York, but around the world.
Mamdani raised 2.6 million dollars for his transition and inauguration events, setting a record for this century. After becoming mayor, he will move from his rent-controlled apartment in Astoria to Gracie Mansion. Business groups are now looking at future opportunities to work with his administration.
