matters, prolongs the paperwork, and wastes people’s rights; the duty, therefore, is to pare it down as much as circumstances allow and to smooth the course of work.

4. Another form of hardship inflicted on the public is to entrust a post to someone who has no competence, no ability, and no expertise in the job.

5. Shaykh al-Islam said: The ruler must appoint the most qualified person available and choose the best candidate, for what is “best” differs with each position. The strength required for every office is determined by its nature: in a military governorship it is courage and expertise in warfare, whereas in judging between people it is knowledge, justice, and the ability to enforce rulings. When a post demands heightened trustworthiness—such as the safeguarding of wealth—priority is given to the most trustworthy; in the judiciary, preference goes to the most learned and the most devoutly God-fearing. The most critical element in all this is knowing who is most suitable, and that can only be achieved by understanding the very purpose of the office.

6. When appointments are made on this basis, people’s affairs run smoothly and hardship and difficulty are kept away from them.