371,) may signify not two actual counsellors, but his two predecessors, Abubeker and Omar.] The mischiefs that flow from the contests of ambition are usually confined to the times and countries in which they have been agitated.
But the religious discord of the friends and enemies of Ali has been renewed in every age of the Hegira, and is still maintained in the immortal hatred of the Persians and Turks.

[171] The former, who are branded with the appellation of Shiites or sectaries, have enriched the Mahometan creed with a new article of faith; and if Mahomet be the apostle, his companion Ali is the vicar, of God.

In their private converse, in their public worship, they bitterly execrate the three usurpers who intercepted his indefeasible right to the dignity of Imam and Caliph; and the name of Omar expresses in their tongue the perfect accomplishment of wickedness and impiety.

[172] The Sonnites, who are supported by the general consent and orthodox tradition of the Mussulmans, entertain a more impartial, or at least a more decent, opinion.

They respect the memory of Abubeker, Omar, Othman, and Ali, the holy and legitimate successors of the prophet.