Zohran Mamdani is set to make history as the first New York City mayor to be inaugurated using a Quran, marking a significant milestone when he takes office at midnight on January 1, as stated by officials.
Breaking new ground as both the first Muslim mayor and the first socialist to helm City Hall, Mamdani plans to swear his oath on at least three different Qurans during his inauguration ceremonies on Thursday, according to his spokesperson.
In a nod to personal and cultural heritage, Mamdani will use his grandfather’s Quran and another that once belonged to the esteemed Black writer and historian Arturo Schomburg. This particular Quran is being lent by the New York Public Library for a private midnight ceremony at the historic Old City Hall subway station.
When he takes his oath of office outside City Hall during the day, Mamdani will once again use his grandfather’s Quran, along with at least one additional family Quran, as first reported by the New York Times and confirmed by his representative.
The midnight ceremony will feature State Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath to Mamdani, while later in the day, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders will officiate the public swearing-in of the democratic socialist.
