Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

118 THE SHEAIIS AND SOONIES.

suasion, as I have before remarked, viz. the
Sheahs and the Soonies. The leaders of the
former are called Emaums; and those of the lat-
ter Caliphas. The Sheahs acknowledge Ali and
his immediate descendants (eleven in number)
" the right and only lawful Emaums," in suc-
cession, after Mahumud. The Soonies declare
the Caliphas—as Omir, Aboubuker, &c.—to be
their lawful leaders after Mahumud.

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 Kho-
raun;—the Sheahs pursuing the pattern of ob-
servances 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 de-
votional exercises; 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,