Muqtada al-Sadr is an influential Iraqi cleric and political leader, known for his role in shaping Iraq's post-Saddam Hussein political landscape. He is the leader of the Sadrist Movement, which combines religious authority with political activism, advocating for social justice and anti-corruption measures. Al-Sadr gained prominence during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, leading a militia known as the Mahdi Army. Born in 1973, al-Sadr is the son of a prominent Shiite cleric and has a significant following among Iraq's Shiite population. His political stance often emphasizes Iraqi nationalism and resistance to foreign influence, particularly from the United States and Iran. Over the years, he has shifted his approach from armed resistance to participating in the political process, winning seats in the Iraqi Parliament.