This article provides the list of deceased maraji (plural of marja, the supreme legal authority or the source of emulation), both current and deceased, followed by Twelver (also known as Imamiyyah) Shia Muslims around the world. The concept of a marja-i taqlid (lit. source of emulation) is central to Usuli Shi'a Islam.[1] Marja-i taqlids provide religious interpretations on matters of law and rituals. Among the functions of marja-i taqlids is the collection and distribution of religious taxes (zakat and khums).
- ^ John Pike. "Twelvers / Ithna Ashari Islamic Schools of Thought". globalsecurity.org.