A Quran Centuries Old, A New York Inauguration: Faith, Identity, and the Enduring Symbolism of a historic Text
The inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as a New York City council member on December 31st, 2025, marked more than just a political transition. It was a moment steeped in history, faith, and a powerful statement about identity in a nation grappling with increasing polarization. Mamdani’s choice to be sworn in on a rare, late 18th or early 19th-century Quran - a manuscript with a fascinating journey of its own – has ignited both festivity and controversy, underscoring the complex relationship between religion, politics, and public life in America. As a scholar of religious history and cultural artifacts, I’ve been following this story with keen interest, recognizing the profound importance of this event.
A Quran’s Journey to the Heart of New York City
The Quran used in Mamdani’s swearing-in isn’t a lavishly decorated relic of royal courts. Rather, it’s a testament to the everyday faith of ordinary people. Its deep red binding, simple floral medallion, and clear, readable script in black and red ink suggest it was created for personal devotion and regular use, not ceremonial display. This accessibility is, in itself, a crucial element of its meaning.
The manuscript’s story began centuries ago, likely originating in the Ottoman period within the region encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and jordan.It eventually found its way into the collection of Arturo schomburg, a pioneering Black Puerto Rican historian and scholar. Schomburg dedicated his life to documenting the global contributions of people of African descent, and his acquisition of the Quran likely stemmed from his deep interest in the ancient connections between Islam and Black cultures, both within the United states and across Africa. The precise details of how Schomburg acquired the manuscript remain unclear, but its presence in his collection speaks volumes about his commitment to a holistic and inclusive understanding of history.
Today, the Quran resides within the New york Public Library, a fitting home for a text that will now be accessible to the public following the inauguration. This public display, facilitated by the library’s curator, Dr. Abid,is a purposeful act,intended to spark conversation and encourage exploration of the rich tapestry of Islamic life in New York City.
Mamdani’s Inauguration: A Reflection of a Changing America
Zohran Mamdani’s story is one of layered identity. Born in Uganda to a South Asian family, and with a partner, Duwaji, who is American-Syrian, he embodies the increasingly diverse fabric of American society. His election as a democratic socialist also represents a important shift in the political landscape.
However, this progress hasn’t come without resistance. Mamdani’s rise to prominence has been met with a surge of Islamophobic rhetoric, amplified by national media attention. In a powerful and moving speech delivered days before the election, Mamdani directly addressed this hostility, declaring his unwavering commitment to his faith and identity. “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own,” he stated, vowing to embrace visibility rather than retreat into the shadows.
Sadly, the decision to use a Quran for the inauguration has drawn predictable criticism from some conservative circles. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama’s inflammatory social media post - “The enemy is inside the gates” – is a stark example of the prejudice Mamdani is facing. The council on American-islamic Relations (CAIR) has rightly designated Tuberville as an anti-Muslim extremist, citing a pattern of concerning statements.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The controversy echoes the backlash faced by Keith Ellison in 2006, when he became the first Muslim elected to Congress and similarly chose to use a Quran for his ceremonial oath. These episodes highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim Americans in navigating public life and asserting their religious freedom.
Beyond the Controversy: A Call for Understanding
The significance of Mamdani’s inauguration extends far beyond the immediate political context. It presents an prospect for a broader conversation about religious diversity, inclusion, and the importance of understanding different faith traditions.Dr.Abid, the curator at the New York Public Library, hopes that the attention surrounding the Quran will encourage people to explore the library’s extensive collections documenting Islamic life in New York, from early 20
