Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, known globally as Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, “passed away peacefully” today in Lisbon at the age of 88, surrounded by family, as reported by the BBC.
Born Into Royalty
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Aga Khan IV was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Princess Tajuddawlah Aly Khan. He spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before attending Le Rosey School in Switzerland. In 1959, he graduated from Harvard University with a BA Honors Degree in Islamic history.
In 1957, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, becoming the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. According to CNN, his grandfather chose to bypass his father, who was known for his playboy lifestyle, and instead appointed him as successor to lead the Shia Ismaili Muslim diaspora, stating that the community should be guided by a young man “who has been brought up in the midst of the new age.”
His leadership spanned nearly seven decades, during which he emphasized Islam as a faith that teaches compassion and tolerance and upholds human dignity.
Establishing the AKDN
Aga Khan IV was instrumental in establishing the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, international, non-denominational agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in specific regions of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, rural development, and the promotion of private-sector enterprise.
His philanthropic efforts were vast, with the AKDN investing approximately $1 billion annually in projects across 30 countries, focusing on education, healthcare, and the environment.
Beyond his religious and philanthropic endeavors, Aga Khan IV was a prominent figure in the equestrian world. He owned hundreds of racehorses and valuable stud farms, with his horse Shergar winning notable derbies in 1981.
He is survived by his four children: Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Prince Hussain Aga Khan, and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan. The announcement of his successor will follow the reading of his will, in accordance with Ismaili tradition.
Global leaders and dignitaries have expressed their condolences, highlighting his contributions to humanitarian causes and his role in bridging Muslim societies with the West. The Aga Khan’s legacy includes numerous hospitals, schools, and architectural restoration projects across several countries.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described Aga Khan IV as “a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world,” while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised him as both “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader” and a dear friend, as reported by The Associated Press.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community and the numerous beneficiaries of his philanthropic initiatives worldwide.
