'Annals of 'Omān' [‎29] (46/112)

Boole Fourth.
29
and went forth obstinately in open rebellion, resolved on his downfal.
The Sultan meanwhile had been advancing to el-Sirr, whilst the Imam,
beiug deserted by the main body of his army who were now opposed to him,
had only a small and weak body of followers. He had only left Nezwa
indeed in hopes of inducing them to abandon their intention of going forth
to join the approaching foe. Finding himself deserted and rebelled against,
and unable with his small party to oppose the Sultan, he feared to be sur
prised in the place, and withdrew with his followers from Bahla to Ka-
dam. 10 He hoped that by this step he had ensured his safety and kept on
his guard. He remained at Kadam until he ascertained that the enemy
had entered el-Jowf, when he became alarmed, and removed with a small
party of attendants to Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. el-Nakhr. 11
He then busied himself actively in endeavouring to raise a force to
oppose the Sultan, and at length succeeded in assembling a sufficient num
ber of allies and adherents to commence active operations against the
enemy. By this time the Sultan was encamped at Nezvva. By the advice
of those present of his kinsmen and well-wishers, who thought it best in
the interests of Islam, the Imam remained behind the army which he sent
against the tyrant Sultan at Nezwa. He took his position close to the
pass to Manh, so he was not distant from them. As God had ordained, his
army was defeated and put to flight and dispersed, and the Imam went
forth vanquished and panic-stricken, seeking safety from his pursuers.
The battle occurred in the forenoon, and by evening he found himself aban
doned by all his followers, a prey to terror and deprived of all hope of the
success of his people.
The tyrant Sultan then reduced all 'Oman with its various districts to
submission. The people sought to ingratiate themselves with the Sultan,
who, on his part, deluded and beguiled them, until all the districts had
submitted to his rule. Meanwhile the Imam lay concealed amongst the
heights of the mountains and in desert places, in fear alike from the Sultan
and from his own subjects, dreading to meet death at every place, and in
terror of being surprised in his sleep. Whilst he was thus a fugitive from
home and family in terror of his life, the people of his kingdom were dwell
ing in their houses in peace and security, having artfully conciliated the
Sultan and ingratiated themselves with him. There was nothing to induce
the Imam to withhold his submission ; indeed there was no other course
open to him but submission, as no further effort was possible. H e deliber
ated concerning his position and consulted with persons of sound judgment.
He acted in accordance with the decisions and sanctions of people of piety,
who pronounced an opinion, which, as far as we know is incontrovertible,
that a Dafi'i Imam is justified in practising " religious dissimulation" 12
when abandoned by his subjects. And we know not of a more signal