Background
Al-Sistani, Ayatollah Ali was born on August 4, 1930 in Mashad, Iran. Son of Sayyid Muhammad Baqir.
Al-Sistani, Ayatollah Ali was born on August 4, 1930 in Mashad, Iran. Son of Sayyid Muhammad Baqir.
Religious studies in Hawzah, Sharh Lum'ah, Sath, Kharij, Fiqh, Usul. Degree of Ijtihad.
Marja (Shia cleric) to Ayatollah, Najaf, Iraq, since 1960. Student and disciple of Shiite Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei in Najaf from 1949-1992, whose position he inherited in 1992. Known for intense research and belief in separation of clergy and politics.
Target of several assassination attempts by Baath Party.
Married.