Abdul El-Sayed May Take Senate Oath on Quran
Newly elected US Senator says he has not yet decided which copy of the Quran to use.
Newly elected US Senator Abdul El-Sayed is considering taking his oath of office on the Quran. Speaking to American media, he said he has not yet decided which copy to use. The choice could mark a notable moment for Muslim representation in the US Senate.
Historic Copies Under Consideration
The Library of Congress holds a historic Quran once owned by Thomas Jefferson, the same copy Keith Ellison used when he was sworn into the US House of Representatives. El-Sayed also mentioned an old Quran held by the University of Michigan as another option.
Ellison became the first Muslim elected to Congress in 2007.
Oath Traditions
The Bible has traditionally been prominent in American swearing-in ceremonies, but US officials are not constitutionally required to take their oath on the Bible or any other religious text. Article VI of the Constitution bars religious tests for public office, and Article II sets out the presidential oath without requiring a religious book.
El-Sayed has not announced a final decision. His choice could draw further attention to religious freedom and religious diversity in American public life.
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