The Choice The Difference Between Swearing and Affirming When Taking Office
NYC Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani swearing on a Qu'ran instead of a Bible was completely legal and legitimate.
Issue #971 The Choice, Friday, December 19, 2025
When individuals take public office, they are often required to make a formal declaration of commitment to their duties. This declaration can take the form of either swearing an oath or affirming one’s commitment. While the two processes may seem similar, they differ in ways rooted in personal beliefs, legal traditions, and historical context.
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, an immigrant and practicing Muslim, was inaugurated into the mayorship of New York City twice on January 1, 2026: first at a private ceremony just past midnight, and then again at a public ceremony later that day.
He was sworn into office by placing his left hand on two copies of the Holy Qur’an and raising his right hand as he spoke. Many people were outraged that Mr. Mamdani did not use a Christian Bible, even going so far as to claim that he is “illegitimately” in office because he did not use a bible.
Nothing could be further from the truth; swearing and affirming upon taking office are two distinct choices that yield the same outcome.
What Does It Mean to Swear an Oath?
Swearing an oath is a formal promise made in the presence of a higher power, often invoking a deity as a witness. This practice has deep historical and religious roots, dating back to ancient civilizations, in which oaths were regarded as binding contracts under divine oversight. In modern contexts, swearing an oath typically involves placing a hand on a sacred text, such as the Bible, Torah, or Quran, and explicitly referencing God or a higher power.
What Does It Mean to Affirm?
Affirming, on the other hand, is a secular alternative to swearing an oath. It is a formal declaration of commitment that does not involve any religious references or invocations of a higher power. Instead, the individual affirms their promise based on personal integrity and accountability, often because they may wish to separate religion from their public duties. Affirming carries the same legal and ethical weight as swearing an oath, but it is grounded in secular principles.
Legal and Historical Context
The option to swear or affirm is rooted in the principle of religious freedom, as enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which permits individuals to choose between swearing an oath and affirming when taking office. This flexibility reflects the First Amendment’s protection of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
The practice of offering both options has historical significance. In the 17th and 18th centuries, religious minorities, such as Quakers and Moravians, objected to swearing oaths on religious grounds. They believed that invoking God in an oath was contrary to their faith. To accommodate these beliefs, legal systems began to recognize affirmations as a valid alternative.
Modern Practices
Today, the choice between swearing and affirming is a personal one, often influenced by individual beliefs and values. Public officials, judges, and even jurors are typically given the option to choose the wording that aligns with their convictions. For example, when taking the presidential oath of office in the United States, the individual may choose to include or omit the phrase “so help me God.”
Why the Distinction Matters
The distinction between swearing and affirming is more than just a matter of semantics. It reflects broader societal values, such as respect for religious diversity, individual autonomy, and the separation of religion and government. By allowing individuals to choose how they declare their commitment, democratic systems uphold the principles of equality and freedom.
Conclusion
Whether one swears an oath or affirms, the act symbolizes a shared commitment to uphold the responsibilities of the office and to serve the public with integrity. This balance between tradition and inclusivity is a testament to the strength of democratic principles.
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