The Quran and the Candidate: Decoding Zohran Mamdani’s Symbolic Oath

When State Assemblyman and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani chose the Thomas Jefferson Quran for his ceremonial swearing-in, it wasn’t just a personal gesture—it was a sophisticated political statement. By opting for a text once owned by a Founding Father, Mamdani bridged the gap between his Muslim identity and the bedrock of American democracy.

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The Significance of the “Jefferson Quran”

The copy used is a 1764 translation that Thomas Jefferson purchased during his legal studies. Its use carries three layers of symbolism:

• A Claim to Belonging: It refutes the narrative that Islam is “un-American.” By using a book owned by the author of the Declaration of Independence, Mamdani argues that Islamic thought has been part of the American intellectual landscape since 1776.
• A Tradition of Dissent: Mamdani follows figures like Keith Ellison and Rashida Tlaib, who used the same text to mark their entry into spaces where they were “firsts.”
• Religious Pluralism: It highlights Jefferson’s own commitment to religious freedom, suggesting that a socialist, Muslim mayor is a natural evolution of the American experiment rather than a departure from it.

Religion Meets Radical Politics

For Mamdani, the symbolism serves his broader campaign goals. As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), he often links his faith to his policy platform:

1. Economic Justice: He frames his fight for rent stabilization and tax reform through a lens of moral and spiritual obligation.
2. The “Outsider” Image: Using a historical artifact from the Library of Congress positions him as a serious historical figure, contrasting with the “business-as-usual” perception of the current City Hall administration.
3. Coalition Building: The move appeals to New York’s diverse immigrant communities while simultaneously signaling a deep respect for American constitutional history to more moderate voters.

“I am not just bringing my faith to the table; I am bringing a version of America that has always been big enough for all of us.” — Implicit theme of Mamdani’s symbolic choices.