In those countries the civil service is the great calamity...

In those countries the civil service is the great calamity, since the civil service changes into a bureaucracy, which lays down laws that hinder the people's affairs and repress their freedoms. In such a case, the masses are transformed into subordinates to the civil servants instead of the other way round. The swelling of the civil service is clearly noticeable in democratic countries too.

This is because they have distanced themselves from the teachings of the prophets, peace be upon them (pbut). Those countries legislated many laws, which are in fact harmful to the society from many points of view. As for dictatorial regimes, the expansion is far greater. It is therefore imperative for the newly established Islamic government to commission working groups to eradicate surplus civil servants and transfer them to the productive sector.

As for members of staff that are removed from the service - because of being surplus to requirement since their role had changed to consumption (of salaries) and repression of freedoms - they must be transferred to a productive sector. The government must assist them to become productive elements in the economy or other profession so that they do not face poverty and unemployment.

This may be accomplished through detailed studies carried out by experts who would base their correct criteria in accordance with rationale and Islamic jurisdiction. In my view, if a government seriously and honestly addresses this issue, there will be none of this massive body of the civil service except for less than 10% of its current size, which is sufficient for the government to run the affair of the country.

We have presented a detailed discussion about this matter in some of the works related to aspects of "Government in Islam"70. M. Shirazi, al-Fiqh series, vol. 99. See also: "The Islamic Government during the Reign of Amir_ol_Mu'meneen", "The Government of the Messenger of Allah (S) and Amir_ol_Mu'meneen", "The Islamic System of Government" by the author.

Simplicity and Provision of Fundamental Necessities The implementation of the policy of simplicity in various aspects of life brings about bliss as well as mental and physical comfort. In contrast, complicated life styles give an individual nothing but disease and illness, even though this kind of life style carries with it material beauty, grandeur and vanity. For this reason, Islam insists strongly on simplicity in all affairs; personal, social, through to national and governmental.