Why Did Zohran Mamdani Take his Oath Using Three Qurans?

When Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor, he made history not only as the city’s first Muslim, South Asian and African-born leader but also for the deeply symbolic way he took his oath of office — placing his hand on three distinct Qurans during two separate ceremonies. 

Mamdani’s oath-taking drew international attention because U.S. law does not require any religious text for public office oaths, and most past mayors traditionally used a Bible or no book at all. By choosing Qurans, Mamdani highlighted his faith, heritage and the diversity of New York City’s communities. 

A Trio of Texts With Deep Meaning

The use of three Qurans was carefully planned to convey layered significance: 

• His grandfather’s Quran: A family heirloom symbolising Mamdani’s personal roots, cultural upbringing and the importance of faith in his life. 

• A historic Quran from the Schomburg Center: This small, late-18th to early-19th-century manuscript — part of the New York Public Library’s collection — was used in the midnight ceremony in a decommissioned subway station. Its modest design and everyday use underscored access to faith across communities and mirrored the city’s shared immigrant history. 

• His grandmother’s Quran: Used during the formal public oath at City Hall, this second family heirloom highlighted Mamdani’s familial ties and generational continuity. 

According to cultural experts involved in selecting the books, the Schomburg Quran has particular resonance. Acquired decades ago by historian Arturo Schomburg — a Black Puerto Rican scholar whose work documented the contributions of people of African descent — the manuscript symbolises not only religious faith but also the interwoven histories of Islam, Black culture and New York City itself.

Symbolism Beyond Tradition

Mamdani’s decision to use these Qurans was intended to reflect his identity and values while emphasizing that his leadership — rooted in personal history and inclusive vision, belongs to all New Yorkers. The Qurans were chosen with input from his wife, Rama Duwaji, and advisers who wanted the moment to resonate beyond mere ceremony.

“In choosing these texts,” one curator observed, “the focus is less on ritual adornment and more on accessible history and shared belonging.” The Schomburg Quran’s simple binding and script suggest it was created for everyday use rather than display — a fitting metaphor for a mayor committed to connecting with everyday New Yorkers. 

Reactions and Legacy

The use of the Qurans sparked both praise and criticism. Supporters celebrated the moment as a powerful affirmation of religious freedom and civic inclusion, while opponents raised objections rooted in broader cultural and political debates. Regardless, Mamdani’s oath — anchored in texts that connect faith, family and community — marked a milestone moment in American civic tradition and reflected New York’s evolving identity. 

As the historic Qurans are set to be displayed publicly in the coming days, their role in the inauguration continues to generate conversation about diversity, representation and the meaning of civic rituals in a pluralistic society.