As Sultan, Sharif Ali made several changes closely linked to Islamic Law, including basing the administration's rule on the law, straightening the direction of the Qiblah, and creating a law prohibiting people from eating pork. The penalty for violating this law was death. Besides religious affairs, Ali's administration was responsible for a number of legacies including creating an emblem and banner – the "Tunggul Alam Bernaga" – which symbolised the dignity of Brunei and the Crown of the Sultan.
Sultan Sharif Ali implemented several changes based on Islamic Law, including establishing a legal framework for governance, aligning the direction of prayer with Mecca, and enacting a law prohibiting pork consumption, punishable by death.  In addition to religious reforms, his administration established symbols like the "Tunggul Alam Bernaga" to represent Brunei's prestige and the Sultan's power.