This morning, Najaf-born Ayat. Sheikh Muhammad Ali al-Taskīri passed away at 76 years old. He studied under Grand Ayat. Sayed al-Khoei, Grand Ayat. Sayed Muhammad-Bāqir al-Sadr, Grand Ayat. Sayed Muhammad-Ridha al-Golpaygāni, Grand Ayat. Sheikh Wa'heed al-Khorāsāni and others. 
He spent his noble life calling people to the path of truth - serving the Qur'an and Ahl al-Bayt (a), raising awareness about wilāyat al-faqīh, working for proximity between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims, and more. He was a known intellectual in both Iraq and the Islamic Republic.
He was also a successful politician. He advocated for Iran during the war with Iraq in the '80s, served as a member of the Assembly of Experts in Iran representing several provinces, and was a consultant of Imam Khamenei, who he testifies is the most knowledgeable living jurist.
Sheikh al-Taskhīri was also a signatory to the famous scholarly letter that over 30 Muslim scholars sent in response to the Islamophobic comments made by Pope Benedict XVI on September 12th, 2006. His legacy is filled with such unity-based efforts to preserve and defend Islam.
As for his publications: he also wrote and translated dozens of books and hundreds of articles and lectures on the Qur'anic sciences and Islamic economics, as well as many works in legal theory on the basis of Shi'a jurisprudence. Please recite Qur'an and salawāt on his behalf.
Imam Khamenei issued a statement saying: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We are saddened to hear that the striving scholar and eloquent speaker of Islam and Shi'ism, Hajj Sheikh Muhammad Ali al-Taskhīri has passed away, may God have mercy upon him.."
"This tireless and persistent man's record of various profound services in the int'l Islamic community is truly brilliant. His firm and motivating tenacity even overcame his physical disabilities in recent years and he maintained his blessed presence wherever needed and useful.."
"His functions and services inside Iran are also a separate and valuable chapter of the efforts of this genius and committed cleric. I offer my condolences to his family, as well as to all his colleagues and friends, and ask for his mercy, forgiveness, and divine pleasure.."
Grand Ayat. Sayed Kādhim al-'Hāeri also reported: "My sadness is renewed and pain camps over my heart as I lose yet another beloved. I have received the mournful news of the passing of my brother and classmate, Ayat. Sheikh Muhammad Ali al-Taskhīri, who I knew for decades.."
"He has gone to his Lord leaving behind wounded hearts, grieving eyes and hurt spirits. He was a fine and loyal student to our martyred teacher, Grand Ayat. Sayed Muhammad-Bāqir al-Sadr and a sincere servant of Islam and the spread of genuine Islamic culture throught the world.."
"He was also a devout soldier of the legitimate leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a caller to [establishing] proximity between Muslims [of the same and different sects and doctrines], and a loving father who took care of those who worked for the sake of Islam.."
"On this painful occasion, I extend my purest condolences to the awaited Imam of the time (aj), to the leader of the Ummah Grand Ayat. Sayed Ali al-Khamenei, to the Sheikh's honorable family and to all of those who love him. I ask God include him in His all-encompassing mercy.."
