Abdul El-Sayed to Take US Senate Oath on Holy Quran, Making History as First Muslim Senator

El-Sayed, who recently defeated Republican candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan's closely watched US Senate election, is set to become the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.

Speaking during an interview with NPR host Leila Fadel, the Democratic senator-elect confirmed his intention to take the oath of office using the Quran, although he has not yet decided which copy he will choose.

"I will likely swear in on a Quran," El-Sayed said during the interview.

His announcement has attracted widespread attention across the United States and internationally, highlighting the growing religious and cultural diversity of American political leadership.

A Historic First for Muslim Representation

El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's November 2026 Senate election represents a significant milestone for Muslim Americans.

The 42-year-old politician defeated Republican Mike Rogers in a competitive race to secure Michigan's open Senate seat.

His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to serve in the United States Senate.

Although Muslim Americans have previously served in the US House of Representatives and other elected positions, El-Sayed's election marks a historic breakthrough in the upper chamber of Congress.

Two Quran Copies Under Consideration

During his NPR interview, El-Sayed discussed two possible Quran copies for his swearing-in ceremony.

One option is a copy of the Quran once owned by former US President Thomas Jefferson.

The historic copy has previously been used during a congressional swearing-in ceremony by former Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison in 2007.

The second option is an old Quran held by the University of Michigan.

El-Sayed said the university's copy is very old and could become his preferred choice for the historic occasion.

However, he has not yet made a final decision about which Quran he will use.

JD Vance Expected to Administer the Oath

Another interesting aspect of the upcoming ceremony is the role of Vice President JD Vance.

Under the US Constitution, the vice president serves as president of the Senate and traditionally administers the oath to newly elected senators.

During his election victory speech, El-Sayed directly addressed Vance, saying:

"JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you're constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January."

The comment attracted considerable attention because of the political disagreements between the two sides during the election campaign.

A Campaign Marked by Controversy

El-Sayed's campaign attracted national attention, particularly because of debates surrounding his political positions, Muslim identity and foreign policy views.

During the campaign, he faced criticism and attacks from political opponents over his religious background and policy positions.

Despite the controversy, he secured a decisive victory in Michigan, defeating Republican Mike Rogers.

In his victory speech, El-Sayed emphasized that American democracy should provide equal opportunities for people regardless of their names, backgrounds or religious beliefs.

Who Is Abdul El-Sayed?

Abdul El-Sayed is a physician, public health expert and Democratic politician.

Before entering the US Senate race, he served as the director of the Detroit Health Department and later became Wayne County's health director.

He previously ran for governor of Michigan in 2018 but did not win the Democratic nomination.

His 2026 Senate victory represents a major turning point in his political career.

El-Sayed campaigned on issues including universal healthcare, economic fairness, campaign finance reform and changes to US foreign policy.

A Symbolic Moment for Religious Freedom

The decision to use the Quran during the swearing-in ceremony carries considerable symbolic importance for Muslim Americans.

The United States Constitution does not require elected officials to swear on a particular religious book. The constitutional oath is a commitment to uphold the Constitution and faithfully perform the duties of public office.

For El-Sayed, the ceremony represents both a personal expression of faith and an opportunity to highlight the principles of religious freedom and equal political participation.

His historic entry into the Senate is expected to generate further discussion about representation, diversity and the role of religious freedom in American democracy.

As the January 2027 swearing-in ceremony approaches, attention will remain focused on which historic Quran El-Sayed ultimately chooses for the occasion.