“ Leaving aside the seven—or, rather, fourteen—divine manifestations in the upper world, we have for the lower world as the seven manifestations of ma‘am, Abel, Seth, Joseph, Joshua, Asaf, Peter, and Ali, and as seven manifestations of ism, Adam, Noah, Jacob, Moses, Solomon, Jesus, and Mohammed. ”

“ The latter two are emanations of Ali, Mohammed being created by Ali, and Salman by Mohammed. Ali is designated as the “lord,” Mohammed as the “veil,” and Salman as the “gate.” The symbol of Ali is ma‘am, “the meaning,” and the symbol of Mohammed is ism, “the name.” This trinity is eternal, and despite the superficial resemblance of this belief to the Christian doctrine, it appears rather to be due to the transformation of the ancient local cults in Syria and Phœnicia. Salman-al-Farisi in turn created five persons, known as “the incomparable ones,” who are the real creators of the world. ”

“ The charges of immoral practices indulged in on the occasion of their festivals are pure fabrications, due in part to the mystical character of some of their rites, particularly of those practiced at the initiation of members of the sect. Their religion inculcates benevolence, honesty, and patience. While split up into various divisions, the sub-sects differ only in matters of minor importance. Each community is governed by a chief, who is almost entirely independent. ”