New York (Monitoring Desk) – Newly elected Mayor Zehran Mamdani will take the oath of office on January 1, 2026, in a two-part ceremony using his grandfather’s Quran and a historic Quran. The historic Quran belonged to the renowned African-American historian and writer Arturo Schomburg and has been specially provided by the New York Public Library.
Interestingly, Schomburg was not a Muslim, but his Quran was chosen to symbolize New York’s diverse history and identity. During a public ceremony outside City Hall in the daytime, Zehran Mamdani will again take the oath on the Quran, administered by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Current Mayor Eric Adams, members of Congress, and other dignitaries are also expected to attend.
Mamdani said the moment is a source of pride not only for him but for millions of Muslims in New York. During his campaign, he emphasized that every Muslim wishes to be seen with equality and respect, just like any other New Yorker.
It is worth noting that previous mayors of New York have taken their oaths on personal or historically significant religious books. Zehran Mamdani will be the city’s first Muslim mayor to take the oath on the Holy Quran.
