When Alauddin al-Kahar died on 28 September 1571, he succeeded to the throne under the name Sultan Ali Ri'ayat Syah.

Some time later he let the two Bataks enter the palace compound and perform black magic, with the result that the sultan fell ill.

Now Sultan Mughal made preparations to smuggle his accomplices into the part of the palace where he stayed in order to perform the coup.

This came to the ears of Sultan Ali, who in turn resorted to strategy: he brought in atap (leaves to cover houses) where weapons were hidden.

[4] Sultan Ali continued his father's policy of unbending hostility towards the Christian Portuguese, who were ensconced in Melaka since 1511.

Through its considerable naval power Aceh contested the Melaka Straits with the support from the Malay sultanate Johor and the Javanese emporium Japara.

A last attempt in 1577 was likewise a failure; this time the Achnese suffered great losses and the enterprise was called off.