This article provides the list of deceased maraji (plural of marja, the supreme legal authority or the source of emulation), 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. 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).
Note: The names are ordered by date of death (descending) as an arbitrary standard.
Following are ulema (who may or may not be considered maraji) who have spent their major life spans before 350 AH/960 CE:
Following are ulema who have spent their major life span between 350 AH/961 CE & 1200 AH/1785 CE:
Following are ulema (who may or may not be considered maraji) who have spent their major life span after 1201 AH/1785 CE & 1300 AH/1883 CE:
Following are ulema (who may or may not be considered maraji) who have spent their major life span after 1301 AH/1884 CE to 1400 AH/1980 CE:
Following are ulema (who may or may not be considered maraji) who have spent their major life span after 1400 AH/1980 CE: