Ali al-Sistani is a prominent Iraqi Shia cleric and religious leader, born on August 4, 1930, in Iran. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the Shia Muslim community and has played a significant role in Iraqi politics, especially after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. His teachings emphasize moderation, social justice, and the importance of civic responsibility. Al-Sistani leads the Hawza religious seminary in Najaf, Iraq, where he guides students in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. He is known for his cautious approach to politics, advocating for peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups in Iraq. His fatwas, or religious rulings, have significant impact on the lives of millions of Shia Muslims worldwide.