n. - A member of that branch of the Mohammedans to which the
Persians belong. They reject the first three caliphs, and consider Ali
as being the first and only rightful successor of Mohammed. They do not
acknowledge the Sunna, or body of traditions respecting Mohammed, as
any part of the law, and on these accounts are treated as heretics by
the Sunnites, or orthodox Mohammedans.