# First Muslim Senator to Swear Oath on the Quran

- URL: https://twotakes.us/stories/first-muslim-senator-to-swear-oath-on-the-quran
- Published: 2026-11-13T14:08:43.422940+00:00
- Topics: congress, religion, islam, identity-politics, elections

## What the left says
- El-Sayed's election and his choice to swear on the Quran represent a milestone of religious pluralism, showing that Americans of any faith or name can serve at the highest levels of government
- His framing emphasizes inclusion rather than division, stressing that the oath is about what it means for the country, not just for him personally
- Historical precedent exists for this moment, since Keith Ellison previously used Thomas Jefferson's own Quran when he was sworn into the House, tying the gesture to a distinctly American tradition of founding-era religious tolerance
- El-Sayed and allies view the vitriolic and Islamophobic attacks he faced during the campaign as evidence of the very bigotry his win is meant to overcome

## What the right says
- Many conservatives view the swearing-in choice alongside El-Sayed's past comments about personally following Sharia law as raising sincere questions about his values and allegiance to the Constitution
- Critics highlight reporting on his past trips and associations, including meetings tied to groups with alleged Muslim Brotherhood connections, as relevant context voters and colleagues should weigh
- Some conservative commentary frames his rhetoric about making 'America bigger' and labeling Michigan the 'capital of Arab America' as signaling a cultural or political agenda rather than unifying patriotism
- Conservatives note the irony that Jefferson's own copy of the Quran, which El-Sayed may use, was acquired partly so Jefferson could understand the Barbary pirates attacking American ships, a historical detail they feel is being glossed over

## Common ground
- Abdul El-Sayed defeated Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race with roughly 52.5% of the vote, making him the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate.
- El-Sayed has said he will likely be sworn in on a Quran, though he has not finalized which copy, mentioning both Thomas Jefferson's historic copy and one held by the University of Michigan.
- Both sides recognize that El-Sayed's name, faith, and campaign became significant points of public and media attention throughout the race.
- There is agreement that this swearing-in will be a historic first for the U.S. Senate regardless of how it is interpreted politically.

## Sources
- [AllSides](https://www.allsides.com/news/2026-11-12-0800/politics-abdul-el-sayed-will-be-sworn-quran-help-make-america-bigger) (Center)
- [Blaze Media](https://www.theblaze.com/news/el-sayed-koran-sworn-in-senate) (Right)
- [Breitbart](https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/12/watch-muslim-u-s-senator-elect-abdul-el-sayed-reveals-plan-for-his-oath-of-office-ill-swear-on-the-quran/) (Unknown)
- [Daily Wire](https://www.dailywire.com/news/el-sayed-teases-nod-to-islam-at-his-senate-swearing-in) (Right)
- [Democracy Now](http://www.democracynow.org/2026/11/4/michigan_senate_abdul_el_sayed) (Left)
- [PBS NewsHour](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/abdul-el-sayed-on-democratic-leadership-health-care-access-and-inspiring-a-new-generation) (Lean Left)
- [Townhall](https://townhall.com/news/amy-curtis/2026/11/12/el-sayed-will-be-sworn-in-on-the-quran-n2686350) (Right)

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