 Consequently, a fierce rivalry developed between the two groups, termed "Maghāriba" ("Westerners") and "Mashāriqa" ("Easterners") respectively.Under al-Aziz, Ibn Ammar performed various administrative tasks, and was a prominent leader of the Kutama.He enjoyed great prestige as virtually "the last of the old Ifriqiyan aristocracy" (Michael Brett) and was present at the deathbed of al-Aziz in October 996.