A political storm erupted after it emerged that Zohran Mamdani would take his oath of office as New York City’s mayor on a Quran, a first in the city’s history. The controversy intensified when critics began questioning his loyalty and faith, prompting sharp reactions from conservative figures. Amid the growing backlash, Mamdani’s team sought to soften the narrative by carefully selecting the Quran used for the ceremony. One of the three copies chosen belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a renowned Black historian and writer who was not Muslim, a decision meant to underline inclusivity and New York’s multicultural heritage rather than religious symbolism alone.
The outrage peaked after Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville declared that “Sharia law has no place in America,” reacting to Mamdani’s decision to use the Quran during his swearing-in. Critics framed the move as a political statement rather than a personal or ceremonial one. In response, Mamdani’s team highlighted that the Quran selected for part of the ceremony had belonged to Schomburg, whose life represented intellectual pluralism and cultural synthesis. This choice, they argued, reflected the diversity and shared history of New York rather than a religious assertion.
Mamdani, who became New York City’s first Muslim mayor, took his oath during two separate events. A private ceremony held in an abandoned subway station involved three Qurans, including one that had belonged to his grandfather and another from the Schomburg collection. For the public ceremony at City Hall, he chose two Qurans associated with his family. According to his senior adviser, Zara Rahim, the intent was to highlight heritage, continuity, and inclusion rather than provoke controversy. These details were later confirmed in reports published by The New York Times.
The mayor’s background itself reflects multiple cultural strands. He is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, both of whom have roots in India and East Africa. His family history reflects centuries of migration and cultural exchange, a narrative that his team believes aligns closely with the identity of New York City. However, in an increasingly polarised political climate, his use of the Quran became a flashpoint for broader debates around religion, immigration, and national identity.
Criticism soon poured in from conservative commentators and political figures. Some claimed the oath symbolised a shift away from American values, while others used inflammatory language suggesting religious takeover. Former officials and media personalities accused Mamdani of prioritising faith over civic duty, and online discourse amplified these claims. Even international figures joined in, with Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders declaring the oath invalid and warning of cultural decline in the United States.
Despite the backlash, Mamdani remained firm in his position. He acknowledged the attacks but reiterated his commitment to representing all New Yorkers, regardless of religion. His team anticipated the reaction and deliberately sought a Quran that carried historical and cultural significance beyond Islam alone. That search led them to the New York Public Library’s collection and the Quran once owned by Arturo Schomburg.
Schomburg, a Puerto Rican-born historian and collector, was a central figure in preserving Black history and culture in the United States. Though he was not Muslim, he collected religious texts from around the world as part of his broader intellectual mission. The Quran associated with him is believed to date back to the 19th century Ottoman era and is notable for its modest design, suggesting it was meant for everyday reading rather than ceremonial display. The library confirmed that it would be publicly exhibited after the ceremony.
Library officials described the selection as deeply symbolic. They noted that the Quran represents not only faith but also the layered cultural and historical narratives that define New York. The curator who assisted Mamdani’s team explained that the choice reflected a convergence of identity, heritage, and civic life, particularly significant for a mayor born in Africa and raised in a global cultural tradition.
Ultimately, the decision to use the Schomburg Quran appeared to be a deliberate effort to counter accusations of religious exclusivity with a message of unity and shared history. While the controversy surrounding Mamdani’s oath underscored the deep divisions in American political discourse, it also highlighted how symbolism, identity, and tradition continue to shape public life in the country’s most diverse city.
