Abdullahi in the early 20th century had business ties with the Zeila, Aden, and various other trading routes south of the red sea, where he built his wealth. He gained the confidence of the Emperor of Ethiopia Menelik II and was sent as an envoy to leader of the Dervish state, Mohammed Abdullah Hassan. Abdullahi was regarded as leader of the Muslims of Harar and helped then governor of Hararghe, Haile Selassie foster good relations between Muslims and Christians within the province.[1][3]