Of course, there is a whole other problem in any discussion of loyalty, unrelated to truth (which I try to speak all the time, like a Quaker) or swearing (for which I would happily use a Qur'an or a Bible or neither). There is also the question of how much you accept the notion of the nation state. As one who considers his allegiance as first to God and the Truth, and then the ummah, or community of believers, allegiance to the very modern idea of the nation state is much more tricky.

Last week it was being suggested that problems of ethnic division in society might be solved by an oath of allegiance on the part of immigrants. Yesterday, however,  the problems with such an oath were highlighted in a different context in the debate over the loyalty of Sinn Fein MP’s.

Now more than ever, the demand for an oath to prove commitment has its problems. In fact, in recent years there have been plenty of MP’s eager to abandon the monarchy yet quite prepared to take the parliamentary oath of allegiance. For what can such economy with truth matter if you have no allegiance to a higher principle than earthly power, before which you commit yourself to truth.

The power of the state enforces, upholds and is itself bound by its laws, but those laws are set in a context which recognises that the whole edifice crumbles if there’s no commitment to truth on the part of those involved. Which is why we invoke Almighty God, the fount of truth, the source of our value systems, and hence our legal systems, and hence any legitimacy of monarchy or state beyond the simple power of military muscle.

In a law court, for those who find any suggestion of divinity objectionable there are other forms of affirmation. But it’s not just atheists who object to taking oaths. Quakers, object to swearing oaths on the basis that it’s our duty to speak truth all the time. The trouble with oaths is that those who accept their premises are more likely to be telling the truth anyway, and those who don’t accept them have no fear of telling lies.

At the time of Muhammad, many swore allegiance in the name of God, but the Qur’an warned the Prophet that such oaths of fealty are only too easily voiced by hypocrites. Qur’an says “They have sworn by God the most earnest oaths that if you command them they will go forth. Say: "Do not swear; honourable obedience is sufficient." Believers are to be recognised by their actions. It is behaviour, not an oath, that shows who is to be trusted.