Habibullah was supported by religious leaders. He accused Amanullah Khan of violating the Sharia, declared the abolition of all bourgeois reforms, promised the abolition of the land tax and conscription, and announced the cancellation of debts, which attracted a huge crowd. Justice was to be administered by the Sharia court. Schools were closed, and education was transferred under the control of the mullahs. In addition, Khabibulla established close contacts with the leader of the Basmachi movement, Ibrahim Bek, and former Emir of Bukhara, Mohammed Alim Khan.