Zohran Mamdani Plans to Use the Quran at New York City Mayoral Swearing-In

Zohran Mamdani plans to take his oath of office using a copy of the Holy Quran when he is sworn in as mayor of New York City, according to details confirmed by his transition team and widely reported by major news organizations.

The swearing-in will take place in two parts, following long-standing municipal practice. Mamdani is scheduled to complete a private oath shortly after midnight on January 1, fulfilling the legal requirement to assume office. A larger public ceremony is expected to follow later the same day.

For the oath, Mamdani plans to use more than one Quran. One is a family copy connected to his grandparents, reflecting personal and religious continuity. Another is a historic Quran associated with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, part of the New York Public Library system. The inclusion of the historic Quran has been described by organizers as a symbolic link between the city’s Black intellectual history and the often-overlooked presence of Muslims in New York’s past.

The use of a copy of the Quran during a swearing-in ceremony carries symbolic significance but does not alter the legal nature of the oath. Under U.S. law, the oath becomes binding through the spoken pledge itself; the use of a religious text is customary and optional, reflecting personal belief rather than constitutional requirement.

While the choice has drawn public attention, it follows a broader American tradition in which elected officials select texts that reflect their identity or values. Presidents, governors, members of Congress, and local officials across the country have previously used Bibles, Qurans, Hebrew scriptures, or family heirlooms during oath ceremonies.

Supporters view Mamdani’s decision as a reflection of New York City’s religious and cultural diversity, while critics have raised questions that, according to legal experts, misunderstand the ceremonial nature of the practice. No legal challenges or procedural objections have been raised by city authorities.

Mamdani’s faith was visible throughout his campaign, where he spoke openly about social justice, economic fairness, and public responsibility, often framing these priorities in moral rather than sectarian terms. His election marks a milestone for Muslim representation in one of the world’s most prominent cities.

City officials have emphasized that the inauguration will proceed according to standard protocols and that the ceremony is expected to highlight unity, democratic continuity, and civic responsibility.

As New York prepares for the transition, the focus of the incoming administration is expected to quickly shift from symbolism to governance, with housing, public services, and economic pressures among the issues expected to dominate the mayor’s early agenda.