'History of the imâms and seyyids of 'Omân by Salîl-ibn-Razîk, from A.D. 661-1856; translated from the original Arabic, and edited with notes, appendices, and an introduction, continuing the history down to 1870, by George Percy Badger, F.R.G.S., late chaplain in the Presidency of Bombay.' [‎54] (87/612)

liv
introduction
On the death of his son Hamed, the Imam Said resumed
his authority, and made his son Ahmed governor of Maskat
and his nephew ^Aly-bin-Hilal governor of Barkah. He
himself returned to er-Rastak, where he led a life of indo
lence, and allowed his son, brothers, and nephews to carry
out their separate aims with little or no interference on his
part. The sequel will show how by treachery, craft, and
bravery Sultan overcame all other competitors and even
tually succeeded to the regency, the nominal Imamate still
continuing to be held by his elder brother, Said-bin-el-Imam-
Ahmed.
Sultan's first step was to get possession of Barkah, then
in the hands of his nephew 'Aly, whom he induced to set
out for er-Eastak, professedly to make peace between him
and the Imam. During 'Aly's absence he managed to seize
the fort, killing one of the garrison in cold blood with his
own hand, after which he summoned several of the tribes
and marched towards Maskat. When these proceedings
were reported to the Imam he forthwith dispatched 'Aly
with directions to aid his son Ahmed to resist the meditated
attack. The two cousins were ill prepared for resistance,
the majority of the population were in favour of Sultan,
and a traitor who commanded one of the gates having ad
mitted the invaders within the walls Sultan soon became
master of all the fortifications. In order to throw his elder
brother Kais, who held el-Matrah and apparently Sohar also,
off his guard, he wrote to tell him that he had taken Mas
kat for him, and advised him to prevent their brother Said
from interfering. Kais took the bait and sent to inform the
Imam that if he moved to the relief of Maskat he would
march against er-Rastak.
A reconciliation was subsequently effected between the
rivals on the following conditions :—Said the Imam was to
hold the eastern and Muhammad-bin-Khalfan, the Wakil Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. ,
the western fort, and in the event of either of the brothers