Ali Al-Sistani is a prominent Iraqi Shia cleric and religious leader, born on August 4, 1930, in Mashhad, Iran. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Shia Muslim community. Al-Sistani has played a significant role in Iraqi politics, especially after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, advocating for democracy and national unity. He is known for his moderate views and emphasis on peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups in Iraq. Al-Sistani's teachings and fatwas (religious rulings) have guided millions of followers, making him a key figure in shaping contemporary Shia Islam and Iraqi society.