He was first installed in the office in 1377 for a short period of time, after al-Mutawakkil I was deposed. Al-Musta'sim was also deposed by Mamluk sultan and al-Mutawakkil I was again installed as caliph of Cairo by Mamluks.
He was initially placed in the office in 1377 following the removal of al-Mutawakkil I, but was later replaced by Al-Musta'sim who was then deposed by a Mamluk sultan.  Al-Mutawakkil I was reinstated as caliph of Cairo by the Mamluks.