His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, has passed away at the age of 88.
The spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims around the world died in Portugal, surrounded by his family.
The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community announced the news, stating that his successor has been designated in his will, which will be read in the presence of his family and religious leaders in Lisbon before the name is made public. The burial and will-reading ceremonies are scheduled to take place in the coming days, followed by an homage ceremony.
Born to a life of privilege and spirituality, the Aga Khan was named as the successor to lead the Ismaili Muslims at just 20 years old, as a Harvard undergraduate. Over the next several decades, he evolved into a business magnate and a philanthropist, using the vast wealth accumulated from billions of dollars in tithes to build homes, hospitals, and schools in developing countries.
A LIFE OF SERVICE AND PHILANTHROPY
The Aga Khan was a defender of Islamic culture and values, and was widely regarded as a builder of bridges between Muslim societies and the West. He founded the Aga Khan Development Network, which deals with issues of healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development in over 30 countries, with an annual budget of approximately $1 billion.
Under his leadership, the network built a network of hospitals bearing his name in some of the poorest regions, including Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The Aga Khan poured millions of dollars into the development of local economies and provided healthcare to those who needed it most.
RECOGNITION AND RESPECT
The Aga Khan’s philanthropic efforts and dedication to his faith have earned him recognition and respect from leaders around the world. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called him “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world,” while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as “a very good friend” and “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader.”
Ceremonies were held in Ismaili communities in the U.S. and around the world to mark his passing. Condolences poured in online from charity groups he supported, as well as the equestrian world, where he was a well-known figure.
A LASTING LEGACY
The Aga Khan’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come. As the title of “His Highness” was bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth in 1957, he embodied the ideals of leadership, compassion, and service that defined his life. His work will continue through the countless lives he touched and the institutions he founded, ensuring that his impact on the world will be felt for years to come.
As the Ismaili community mourns the loss of their spiritual leader, they take comfort in the knowledge that his successor has been designated to carry on his work, continuing the 1,300-year dynasty of the Aga Khan.
