A recent photo of al-Sistani in his ninety-sixth year

A recent photo of the highest religious authority in Iraq, Ali al-Sistani, appeared in one of the rare pictures published of him after he turned 96. According to circulating information, the photo was taken on Saturday, 22 August, and shows al-Sistani in his latest appearance, at a time when his public or media appearances are rare. Al-Sistani is the highest religious authority for Shiites in Iraq and one of the most prominent Shiite marjas in the world, enjoying wide religious and social influence, especially inside Iraq. Al-Sistani does not give television interviews, and his published pictures are relatively limited, often occurring during his meetings with Iraqi and foreign officials or representatives of the United Nations and religious and political figures who visit him at his residence in the city of Najaf. Any new photo or appearance of al-Sistani attracts wide attention, due to the rarity of his media appearances and his influential religious standing in Iraq and the region.