New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Swears In With Historic Quran

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor Using Historic Quran

On Thursday, Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City, taking office after a private swearing-in ceremony. The event was held at a disused subway station under Times Square.

Mamdani used his grandfather’s Quran and a 200-year-old copy on loan from the New York Public Library (NYPL) for the private ceremony. He plans to use two copies of the Quran that belonged to his grandfather and grandmother during a daytime ceremony at New York City Hall on Friday.

The NYPL has praised Mamdani’s decision to use the historic Quran, citing its connection to Arturo Schomburg, a Black historian and writer who sold his collection of 4,000 books to the library in 1926. The Quran is believed to have been produced in Ottoman Syria in the 19th century.

The library noted that the small size of the Quran and its black and red ink suggest it was designed for everyday use. Hiba Abid, curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, stated that the significance of this Quran extends beyond its beauty, as it is part of the nation’s largest public library system.

Anthony W Marx, the library’s president and CEO, said the choice of Quran symbolizes a greater story of inclusion, representation, and civic-mindedness. Mamdani is one of only a handful of US politicians to be sworn in with the Quran.

Mamdani’s faith and background as a Ugandan-born American of South Asian descent were prominent during his campaign, which focused on celebrating New York’s diversity. He has also been open about the impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and the subsequent rise in Islamophobia in the US.

The ceremony at City Hall will take place on Friday, marking a new chapter for Mamdani as the city’s mayor.

Source: Al Jazeera