'The History of Persia, from the most early period to the present time: containing an account of the religion, government, usages and character of the inhabitants of that kingdom. By Colonel Sir John Malcolm, KCB, KLS Late minister plenipotentiary to the court of Persia from the supreme government of India. In two volumes.' [‎346] (387/786)

THE HISTORY OF PERSIA.
chap .xxn. orthodox religion. These saints differed from each other in expound-
ing parts of the Koran, and the traditions; but their followers have
concurred in tolerating their respective differences, which relate more
to forms than essentials, and have become consolidated into one be
lief, which is termed the Soonee, or, in other words, the belief of those
who assent to the Soona, or oral traditions, and consequently acknow
ledge the first caliphs, from whom most of these traditions were
derived, as the chosen companions and legitimate successors of the
prophet. The four sects mentioned above, have been denominated
the four pillars of the Soonee faith: each has a separate oratory at
the Temple of Mecca: but this, and the other distinctions they have
preserved, as separate sects, have not disturbed their union, which
has been cemented by their common alarm at the progress of schisms,
that threatened, if they spread, not only to alter the faith, but to
overthrow the whole system of their jurisprudence; which was esta
blished upon authorities, the purity and legality of which these
heretics openly denied.
Ah account of Among the principal of these schisms was that of the Sheahs;
sheahs^ which, as has been before stated, had become, from the commence
ment of the Suffavean dynasty, the national religion of Persia.
The meaning of the term Sheah has been already explained, and a
short account has been given of the history of this sect. From the
hour of the death of Mahomed, the adherents of Aly had maintained
his right of succession to the caliphate, and had deemed those by
whom that right had been set aside as the greatest of sinners. The
caliph of the race of Abbas, in favour of Selim the First. The acknowledgment of this
title renders the Emperor of Turkey the spiritual head of all orthodox Mahomedaas.