History Made in the US: Zohran Mamdani Becomes New York’s First Muslim Mayor After Taking Oath on the Holy Quran
New York: Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, took oath of office on January 1, 2026, becoming the first Muslim mayor in the city’s history.
The 34-year-old Democratic leader began his four-year term shortly after midnight in a simple oath-taking ceremony held at a closed subway station beneath City Hall. According to international media reports, Mamdani placed his hand on the Holy Quran while taking the oath.
Reports said he used two copies of the Quran for the ceremony — one was a personal copy belonging to his grandfather, while the other was borrowed from the Schomburg Center at the New York Public Library.
Addressing the ceremony, Zohran Mamdani said that serving the people of New York is a great honor and the biggest responsibility of his life. He explained that the choice of a modest venue symbolized his connection with the working class and highlighted the importance of public transportation.
New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, while Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, was also present at the ceremony. Media reports added that his parents — renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani — attended the event as well.
A formal public inauguration ceremony will be held later outside City Hall, where Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and thousands of supporters are expected to attend.
During his election campaign, Zohran Mamdani focused on issues such as inflation, rising rents, and urban services. He has pledged to impose a ban on rent hikes, introduce free bus services, and expand childcare facilities for city residents.
