New York City: A Historic Qur’an and a New Chapter of Civic Representation
New York City : recently witnessed a moment that blended personal faith, public service, and shared cultural heritage. The city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, announced that one of the Qur’ans used during his oath-taking ceremony will be placed on public display at the main branch of the New York Public Library. This decision has drawn attention not only because of its symbolic value, but also due to the remarkable history of the manuscript itself and what it represents for a diverse, modern city.
A Manuscript Rooted in History
The Qur’an selected for the oath is an 18th-century manuscript once owned by renowned Black scholar and activist Arturo Schomburg. Copied in Ottoman Syria, the manuscript reflects a practical and accessible style of Islamic scholarship. Written in black ink with red markings used to indicate divisions in the text, it contains no elaborate decoration. This simplicity suggests that it was intended for regular reading and study rather than ceremonial display, giving it a deeply human and approachable character.
The Significance of the Oath Ceremony
Mayor Mamdani took his oath during a private midnight ceremony at the old City Hall subway station, a location rich with historical symbolism. By choosing this particular Qur’an, he connected his personal journey with the broader narrative of New York City’s multicultural identity. In a public message, he emphasized that the manuscript once belonged to an everyday reader and now symbolically belongs to all New Yorkers, reflecting a shared sense of ownership and inclusion in the city’s ongoing story.
Public Display at the Library
The Qur’an is now on display at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street, one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the city. The exhibit, located in the McGraw Rotunda, opened to the public on January 6. Visitors can view the manuscript alongside photographs from the oath ceremony, including images of Mayor Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, as well as a close-up image showing the mayor’s hand resting on the Qur’an. The display also features a portrait of Arturo Schomburg, honoring the original owner and his legacy.
Messages of Inclusion and Representation
The library has framed the display with messages such as “The People’s Qur’an” and “Making history at City Hall.” These phrases underline the broader civic meaning of the event. According to NYPL President Anthony Marx, the manuscript represents a larger story about inclusion, representation, and civic responsibility. By preserving and displaying this Qur’an, the library highlights how public institutions can reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Cultural and Scholarly Importance
From an academic perspective, the Qur’an holds value beyond its historical age. Hiba Abid, curator for Middle Eastern and Islamic studies at the library, noted that the manuscript’s importance lies in both its craftsmanship and its accessibility. Its presence in the nation’s largest public library system allows people from all backgrounds to engage with Islamic history in a tangible way. This reinforces the idea that cultural artifacts gain new meaning when they are shared openly with the public.
Arturo Schomburg’s Enduring Legacy
Arturo Schomburg was known for collecting texts related to Black history and global culture, including works connected to Islam. In 1926, he sold his extensive 4,000-piece collection to the New York Public Library, forming the foundation of what is now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The Qur’an used in the mayoral oath was loaned from this collection, linking past efforts to preserve knowledge with present-day moments of civic significance.
A Shared Civic Symbol
By placing this Qur’an on public display, New York City reinforces the idea that faith, history, and governance can coexist within a democratic framework. The manuscript serves as a reminder that leadership in a global city is shaped by many traditions and voices. For residents and visitors alike, the exhibit offers an opportunity to reflect on how personal identity and public service can come together to create a more inclusive future.