'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.' [‎381] (542/612)

APPENDIX A.
381
praciically as necessary qualifications for the office. 1 Possibl}-,
also, the derangement in the popular belief of the 'Omanis, caused
by the attempts first made by the Wahhabis during the reign of
Sultan, the Seyyid Sa'id's father and predecessor, to proselyte
them to their creed, had some influence in shaking the founda
tion of their politico-religious system, and led to the abandon
ment of the antagonistic attitude involved in their retention of
an Imamate. Thus much is certain, that whether from convic
tion or prudential considerations—most probably the latter—
the Ibadhiyah of 'Oman have made great concessions in matters
of religion to the fanaticism of their powerful and dangerous
neighbours, the Wahhabis. Lastly, in addition to these consi
derations, it should be borne in mind that, according to the
peculiar doctrines of the Ibadhiyah of 'Oman, it is not absolutely
necessary that there should be an Imamate.
Passing on from this review of the order of succession and
the changes which it has undergone,—merely observing, by the
way, that no new feature has been introduced into it since the
death of the Seyyid Sa'id-bin-Sullan,—I shall proceed to inquire
1 " In order to attain the title of Imdm," writes Wellated, "it is ne
cessary at the period of his election that he should possess sufficient
theological attainments to preach before the assembled chiefs, by whom
he is chosen, and their followers; and also that he should not embark on
board ships. The latter,—as in the case of Saaf, [Seif-bin-Sultan], who
took possession of the ports on the African coast and then- dependencies,
is, after installation, overlooked; but the former they consider so indis
pensably binding that Sayyid Sa'id, who either does not possess the
necessary attainments or fancies so, has dispensed with the ceremony
altogether, and, in consequence, receives from his subjects the title of
Sayyid, or prince, only." Travels in Arabia, vol. i. p. 9.
The remarks to which this quotation is appended as a foot-note serve
to rectify Wellsted's statements on the same subject; he is, moreover,
mistaken in supposing preaching to be one of the Imam's functions.
With regard to the assertion that going to sea, either before or after
installation, was a disqualification for the office, all I can say is that the
'Omanis whom I consulted never broached such an idea; that it is in
consistent with their predilections as a maritime people; that not the
least trace of it appears in this History; and, further, that it is incorrect
in fact, since several of the Imams visited the coasts of'Oman by sea, as
well before as after their installation, and some of the el-Ya'arubah, and
notably Ahmed-bin-Sa'id of the Al-Bu-Sa'id dynasty, unquestionably
navigated the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. after their installation.