Thu Jan 01 00:32:00 UTC 2026: Summary:
Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as the new Mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026, marking several historic firsts. He will be the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born individual to hold the position. Significantly, he will be sworn in using a Quran, marking the first time a New York City mayor has done so. He will use three Qurans: two from his grandparents and a historical manuscript from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center. The choice of the Schomburg Center Quran, a modest and accessible manuscript, symbolizes the diversity and accessibility of Islam within New York City. The event has drawn both support and criticism, including Islamophobic remarks from some conservatives. Following the inauguration, the historic Quran will be displayed at the New York Public Library.
News Article:
Historic Firsts as Zohran Mamdani Becomes NYC Mayor, Sworn in on Quran
NEW YORK – January 1, 2026 – Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new Mayor of New York City early this morning, marking a series of unprecedented milestones for the city. The 34-year-old Democrat becomes the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born individual to hold the city’s highest office.
In a ceremony held in a long-closed subway station beneath City Hall, Mamdani made history by being sworn in on a Quran, a first for any New York City mayor. He used three Qurans for the ceremony: two belonging to his grandparents, and a significant 18th- or 19th-century manuscript from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
The choice of the pocket-sized Quran from the Schomburg Center is particularly symbolic. Hiba Abid, curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the New York Public Library, noted that the manuscript’s simple design and accessibility reflect the diversity and everyday faith of New York City’s Muslim community. The Quran was once owned by Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian, highlighting the historical connection between Islam and Black cultures.
Mamdani, who focused on affordability during his campaign, has been open about his Muslim faith. His election has drawn both support and backlash. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama made an anti-Muslim statement on social media in response to the inauguration, highlighting the challenges Mamdani faces as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Following the inauguration, the historic Quran will be placed on public display at the New York Public Library, encouraging further exploration of Islamic culture in New York City.
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