In a groundbreaking historical moment, Zohran Mamdani, the incoming Mayor of New York City, is set to take his oath of office at midnight on a Quran that has been cherished for centuries. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time in the city's history that a mayor swears in using the holy text of Islam, further highlighting a series of remarkable firsts for New York City.
At just 34 years old, Mamdani will not only become the youngest mayor but also the first individual of Muslim faith, the first South Asian, and the first person born in Africa to hold this esteemed position. These unprecedented accomplishments, alongside the historical Quran he will utilize during the ceremony, symbolize the rich and enduring presence of the Muslim community within the most populous city in the United States. This sentiment is echoed by scholars who assisted Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, in selecting one of the Qurans for the occasion.
Traditionally, many of Mamdani's predecessors took their oaths on a Bible; however, the requirement for such ceremonies does not mandate the use of any religious book. Throughout his campaign, Mamdani has emphasized the pressing issue of affordable living in the city but has also been unapologetically vocal about his Muslim identity. He frequently visited mosques throughout the five boroughs, engaging with a diverse array of supporters, particularly first-time voters from South Asian and Muslim backgrounds.
During the subway ceremony, Mamdani plans to place his hand on two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and a pocket-sized Quran that dates back to either the late 18th century or early 19th century, housed at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, part of the New York Public Library. According to Hiba Abid, the library's curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, this particular copy of the Quran embodies the rich diversity of the city's Muslim population.
"Although this Quran is small, it encapsulates significant elements of faith and identity within the historical context of New York City," Abid remarked.
On the following day, during a ceremonial swearing-in at City Hall, Mamdani will again honor his family's heritage by using both his grandfather’s and grandmother’s Qurans, although details surrounding these heirlooms remain limited from the campaign.
The journey of this specific manuscript is quite fascinating. It was originally acquired by Arturo Schomburg, a renowned Black Puerto Rican historian known for collecting items that showcased the global contributions of people of African descent. Although the exact circumstances of how Schomburg came into possession of the Quran are unknown, scholars speculate that it reflects his keen interest in the historical connections between Islam and African cultures.
Unlike ornate manuscripts typically associated with elite figures, the Quran Mamdani will use features a simple design with a deep red binding and a modest floral motif, written in easily readable black and red ink. This suggests that it was crafted for everyday readers rather than for exclusive ceremonial purposes. Abid highlights that this accessibility is a crucial aspect of its significance, stating, "The value of this Quran lies not in its luxury, but in its reach to common people."
Due to the absence of a date or signature, scholars have relied on the Quran's binding and script to estimate its creation period, positing that it was produced during the late 18th or early 19th century within the Ottoman Empire, likely in regions that now encompass Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.
Mamdani's own background—born in Uganda to South Asian parents—parallels the intricate path of this manuscript to New York, which underscores the theme of identity. As a democratic socialist who is a practicing Muslim, Mamdani's rapid ascent to prominence has coincided with an uptick in Islamophobic sentiments, especially highlighted during the national discourse surrounding his election campaign.
In a heartfelt speech shortly before the election, he addressed the hostility directed towards him, stating that it only fueled his determination to embrace and display his faith openly. "I refuse to alter who I am, how I practice my beliefs, or the faith I proudly uphold," he declared. "I will no longer hide in the shadows; I choose to stand in the light."
However, the decision to be sworn in on a Quran has not been without controversy. Some conservative voices, including U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama, have expressed disapproval, suggesting on social media that there are threats from within the community. The Council on American-Islamic Relations has labeled Tuberville an anti-Muslim extremist due to his past remarks.
This backlash is reminiscent of the criticism faced by Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, when he opted to use a Quran during his ceremonial oath in 2006. Following Mamdani's inauguration, the Quran will be displayed publicly at the New York Public Library. Abid hopes that the attention garnered from the ceremony, regardless of whether it is positive or negative, will encourage more individuals to explore the library's rich collections reflecting Islamic culture in New York, which spans from early 20th-century recordings of Armenian and Arabic music to personal narratives addressing the rise of Islamophobia post-September 11.
"This manuscript was designed for everyday readers when it was created," Abid noted. "Now, it resides in a public library, accessible for anyone to engage with."
What are your thoughts on the significance of using a Quran in such a prominent political ceremony? Do you believe it reinforces the values of diversity and inclusion, or do you see it as a source of division? We’d love to hear your perspective!
