He is described as the leading spiritual leader of Iraqi Shia Muslims, and one of the most senior clerics in Shia Islam. He has been included in all editions of "The Muslim 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims" mostly in the top ten positions since 2009. He is one of the eight Maraji’ mentioned in the most recent edition. In 2005, al-Sistani was listed among the Top 100 intellectuals of the world. In 2005 and 2014, he was also nominated for Nobel Prize Award towards his efforts for establishing peace.