Pres. Obama To Use Stepfather's Favorite Koran As Part Of Second Inauguration

By PETER HARTWIG

Obama family heirloom will make its appearance at inauguration -- and could cause controversy.

An archival image of the Obama family Koran inherited from Pres. Obama's stepfather.Even as the final touches were being put to the bunting and the ballrooms for Monday’s inauguration festivities, the Obama family was preparing a favorite family artifact for the swearing in.

“This second time around we are going to include a family heirloom,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.  “Barack’s stepfather Lolo Soetoro gave him his cherished prayer book before he passed, and Barack wants to include that [in the ceremony].”

The “prayer book” may stir controversy because it is a nineteenth century Koran.  Ms. Obama said that the Obamas' 14-year-old daughter Malia Obama will hold the Koran for the president while he is sworn in on two bibles held by the First Lady.   These two bibles are the bibles used by President Lincoln at his first Inauguration, which Obama used in 2009, and a Bible used by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Obamas during the 2008 inauguration.

“The country has become more diverse, and this includes religious diversity,” said Sachedina Abdulaziz , Muslim Studies professor at Columbia University in New York.  “No one should be surprised that Islam finally has a small place in the political sphere.”

At the ceremony on Monday, Mr. Obama is going to talk about “the fact that our political system doesn't require us to talk about all of our differences and political disputes," said David Plouffe, the senior White House adviser.  It is not expected that Mr. Obama will make any comments about the Koran’s first introduction to a swearing in ceremony for national political office.

Up to a million people are expected in Washington to celebrate Mr Obama's swearing-in that will take place at noon (5pm in London) on Monday on the western steps of the US Capitol.