I do not find that there is any great difference in the points of faith between the two sects; they are equally guided by the same laws and ordinances inculcated by Mahumud in the Khoraun;—­the Sheahs pursuing the pattern of observances traced out in the life and manners of Ali and his descendants;—­and the Soonies taking their examples from the manners of the Caliphas.  There is a distinguishing method in ablutions before prayers, and also in the manner of bowing and prostrating in their devotional exercises;[1] this difference, however, has nothing to do with their faith,—­the subject and form of their daily prayer is one; but both sects have extra services for particular occasions, agreeable to the instruction of their favourite leaders.  The Namaaz (daily prayer) was taught by Mahumud to his followers, every line of which is religiously reverenced by Mussulmauns, and cannot be altered by sectarian principles.

The Mussulmaun faith is founded on three roots; from these spring, with the Sheahs, six branches; with the Soonies, five.  The roots are as follows:—­

First.—­’There is but one God, self existing; ever was, and ever will be; in Whom is all Power, Majesty, and Dominion; by Whom all things are, and were created.  With Whom is neither partner or substance:[2] and He alone is to be worshipped.’

Second.—­’The Prophets were all true; and all their writings to be relied on, with a true faith.’

Third.—­’The resurrection of the dead is certain.’

The Sheahs’ branches, or emanations, from the three roots of their faith, are as follow:—­

1st.—­’Namaaz,’[3] (prayer five times daily); a necessary duty, never to be omitted.

2nd.—­’Rumzaun,’[4] (fasting) the whole thirty days of that month; a service acceptable to God from His humble creatures.

3rd.—­’The Hadje,’[5] (pilgrimage to Mecca); commanded by Mahumud, and therefore to be obeyed.

4th.—­’Zuckhaut;’[6] the fortieth portion of all worldly goods to be set apart every year (an offering to God) for the service of the poor.

5th.—­To fight in the road of God, or in His service, against the idolaters.

6th.—­To believe that the twelve Emaums were the true and lawful leaders, after Mahumud; to follow in their path, or example, and to succour and defend the Syaads, their descendants.

The Soonies omit the last branch in their profession of faith; with this solitary exception, the creed of the two sects, from all I can understand, is the same.  The Sheahs are those who celebrate Mahurrum:  in my description of that event will be seen the zealous partizans of the sect; and here may be introduced with propriety, some account of the opposite party denominated Soonies.

The word Calipha[7] implies the master or head of any trade, profession, or calling,—­as the master of the tailors, the head master of a college or school, &c.  Omir was the first to usurp the title after Mahumud’s death, and to him succeeded Aboubuker, and then Ausmaun (Osman).[8]