Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.2.2

2.2.2

Among all these sects there are two leading ones whose respective partisans are mortal enemies to each other. The one is that of the Turks, called by the Persians Osmanlous, or Followers of Osman, whom the Turks believe to have been the true and legitimate successor of Mahomet, the Great Caliph, or Sovereign Pontiff, to whom alone it belonged to interpret the Koran, and to decide the controversies that occur in the law. The other is that of the Persians, called by the Turks, Chias, Rafezys and Aly-Merdans; that is, Sectaries, Heretics, and Partisans of Ali; because the Persians believe that this succession and pontifical authority, of which I have just spoken, belonged only to Ali, the son-in-law of Mahomet. When he avowed himself one of the latter sect, Sultan Sujah was evidently actuated by motives of policy; for as Fig. I. — Prince Aurangzeb. the Persians were in possession of the most important offices in the kingdom, and exercised the largest share of influence at the Court of the Mogol, he hoped thus to secure interest and support, whenever the tide of events should render them necessary.