Grand Ayatollah Shirazi is a leading theologian teaching at the Qom Seminary, one of the two most important centres of learning for Twelver Shia. He is most influential for his Tafsir Al-Amthal, which is a very popular, simplified commentary of the Qur’an. He has also spearheaded the creation of schools and magazines devoted to young people. He has been outspoken in his support for Palestinians.