The Imam is increasingly unpopular.

A group of notables had elected his brother, Qais bin Ahmad, as Imam around the end of 1785.

This revolt soon collapses.

One of his sons is later held prisoner in Fort Al Jalali for a period by the governor of Muscat.

Another son, Hamad bin Said, comes to negotiate with the governor.

Hamad and his followers manage to gain control of forts al-Jalali and al-Mirani, and thus of Muscat; this happens in 1786.

One by one, the other fortresses in Oman submit to Hamad, until Said no longer has any temporal power.

Hamad takes the title of Sheikh and establishes his court in Muscat.

Said bin Ahmad remains in Rustaq and retains the title of Imam, but this is purely a symbolic religious title that carries no power.