New York City Mayor-elect to be Sworn in Using the Koran

New York City’s mayor-elect, Zoran Mamdani, is set to make history as the first mayor to be sworn in using the Koran, Islam’s holy book. This unique ceremony will take place at midnight on January 1, 2026.

The 34-year-old’s swearing-in will include two events—one private ceremony with family and a public gathering featuring a block party. During both occasions, he will place his hands on the Koran, marking a first for New York City. Mamdani has chosen three different versions for this significant moment, along with a family heirloom and a rare 19th-century Koran.

Advisor Zara Rahim pointed out that Mamdani’s connection to the Koran extends to both his grandparents’ copies and a historically significant Quran that belonged to the African American writer and historian Arturo Schomburg. Schomburg, originally from Puerto Rico, donated a remarkable collection of over 4,000 books and artifacts to the New York Public Library back in 1926.

For Mamdani, using the 19th-century Koran symbolizes a link between the history of the African diaspora and the city’s contemporary Muslim and South Asian communities. Rahim mentioned that this inclusion aims to address the long-standing lack of Muslim representation in public office.

“To be honest, Muslims haven’t lived the electoral life like other ethnicities and communities for decades,” stated Shahana Hanif, a Muslim advocate and New York City Council member. She views the Koran as a symbol of solidarity for Muslim communities both in New York and worldwide.

The private ceremony at midnight will occur in the Old City Hall subway station, a nod to Mamdani’s commitment to the workers vital to the city’s operations.

On the campaign trail, Mamdani has advocated for initiatives such as rent freezes for subsidized apartments, publicly funded bus fares and childcare, municipal grocery stores, and higher taxes on wealthy residents, categorizing those earning $500,000 or more as wealthy. He also plans to increase the city’s corporate tax rate to 11.5%.

However, while “taxing the rich” is central to his platform, some economic experts worry that his ambitious social policies may necessitate a broader tax base. Even if income taxes for lower earners are kept stable, everyday New Yorkers could still feel financial strain.

Higher taxes on landlords and luxury properties often lead to increased rent for tenants, particularly affecting middle-class families in unsubsidized apartments.

Moreover, Mamdani’s strategy could face challenges if wealthy residents decide to relocate to other states, leaving the city potentially facing a revenue shortfall. Currently, the wealthiest New Yorkers contribute about 40% of the city’s tax revenue.