Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani took his midnight oath of office on a centuries-old Quran, marking the first time a mayor of New York City uses Islam’s holy text to be sworn in and underscoring a series of historic firsts for the city. It is part of the collection at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. "It’s a small Quran, but it brings together elements of faith and identity in New York City history,” Abid said. Unlike ornate religious manuscripts associated with royalty or elites, the copy of the Quran that Mamdani will use is modest in design. Following the inauguration, the Quran will go on public display at the New York Public Library.

Source: The Star January 02, 2026 13:41 UTC