\Shi"ite\, Shiah \Shi"ah\, n. [Ar. sh[=i]'a[=i]a follower
of the sect of Ali, fr. sh[=i]'at, sh[=i]'ah, a multitude
following one another in pursuit of the same object, the sect
of Ali, fr. sh[=a]'a to follow.]
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.