Zohran Mamdani becomes the city’s first Muslim, South Asian and African-born mayor
NEW YORK (Realist English). Zohran Mamdani took his oath of office at midnight using a centuries-old Quran, becoming the first mayor in New York City history to be sworn in on Islam’s holy text and underscoring a series of historic firsts for the city.
The 34-year-old Democrat was sworn in at a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall, making him the first Muslim, the first South Asian and the first African-born person to hold the city’s highest office. While most of his predecessors used a Bible, no religious text is legally required for the oath, which commits the mayor to uphold the federal, state and city constitutions.
For the ceremony, Mamdani used two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and a pocket-sized manuscript dating from the late 18th or early 19th century, held by the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Scholars say the historic Quran, modest in design and believed to originate from the Ottoman era, symbolises the long-standing and diverse Muslim presence in the city.
Mamdani, who campaigned heavily on affordability and cost-of-living issues, was also outspoken about his Muslim faith, regularly appearing at mosques across the five boroughs and mobilising support among South Asian and Muslim communities, including many first-time voters.
His rapid rise has drawn national attention and criticism from some conservative figures, prompting a surge of Islamophobic rhetoric. Mamdani has said such attacks have strengthened his resolve to remain open about his identity and beliefs.
A second swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at City Hall on New Year’s Day, where Mamdani plans to use Qurans belonging to both his grandparents. Afterward, the historic manuscript will go on public display at the New York Public Library, where curators hope the moment will encourage wider public interest in the city’s Islamic history and cultural heritage.
