Mamdani takes oath as NYC's first Muslim mayor on Quran
What's the story
Zohran Mamdani took oath as New York City's new mayor after midnight on New Year's Day. Mamdani was administered the oath by New York Attorney General Letitia James beneath the Spanish-tiled arches of a former subway station below City Hall in Lower Manhattan. The 34-year-old Democrat is the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born person to hold this office. He will be sworn in again in a public ceremony at City Hall at 1:00pm (local time) by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Quran significance
Mamdani's oath-taking ceremony features historic Qurans
Mamdani used two Qurans for his subway ceremony: one belonging to his grandfather and a pocket-sized version from the late 18th or early 19th century. The majority of Mamdani's predecessors were sworn in on a Bible, even though the oath to uphold the federal, state, and city constitutions does not necessitate the use of any religious scripture.
Twitter Post
Watch the oath-taking here
IT’S OFFICIAL! ZOHRAN MAMDANI IS THE MAYOR OF NYC!!!! pic.twitter.com/42S9MQog4W
— Kiki Ball-Change (@kikiballchange) January 1, 2026
Family legacy
Mamdani's inauguration ceremony to feature family heirlooms
For a subsequent swearing-in ceremony at City Hall, Mamdani will use both his grandfather's and grandmother's Qurans. The manuscript was obtained by Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian whose collection documented the global achievements of persons of African descent. Although it is unknown how Schomburg obtained this particular Quran, scholars believe it reflects his interest in Islam's historical ties with Black cultures in America and Africa.
Manuscript details
Quran's design reflects accessibility, not luxury
Unlike ornate religious manuscripts associated with royalty or elites, the copy of the Quran that Mamdani used is modest in design. It has a deep red binding with 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. After the inauguration, the Quran will be publicly displayed at the New York Public Library.
Political journey
Mamdani's rise to mayoral office amid controversy
Mamdani's rise to the mayoral office has not been without controversy. His decision to use a Quran for his swearing-in ceremony has drawn criticism from some conservatives. US Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama reacted on social media, saying, "The enemy is inside the gates." The Council on American-Islamic Relations has labeled Tuberville an anti-Muslim extremist for his past remarks.
Public display
Mamdani won the November 4 general election
Mamdani won the November 4 general election with over a million votes, defeating former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. His campaign challenged local and national politics with an ambitious platform to address the expense of living, including a rent freeze on a million city residences, free buses, and free child care.