Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88

Aga Khan, the revered spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, has died at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and leadership.

Aga Khan is well-known throughout Africa, particularly in East African nations. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) significantly contributes to countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda by focusing on health care, education, media development, and economic progress. With the presence of institutions such as the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Foundation—running hospitals, schools, and community programs—their influence is prominently felt across the region.

Additionally, the Aga Khan is highly respected within the Ismaili Muslim community, which has a significant presence in multiple African countries.

The Aga Khan, who became the spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims at 20 years old while studying at Harvard, has died at the age of 88.

He devoted a significant fortune gathered from tithes to building homes, hospitals, and schools in disadvantaged areas.

The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili community announced that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, known as the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away on Tuesday in Portugal with his family by his side.

A successor has been designated in his will and will be announced at a ceremony attended by family members and senior religious leaders in Lisbon.

The announcement date has not been revealed yet.

The successor will be chosen from his male descendants or other relatives, as specified on the Ismaili community’s website.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, believed by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, was still a student when his grandfather selected him over his father to lead the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. His grandfather felt it was crucial for someone young and “brought up in the midst of the new age” to take on this leadership role.

Throughout the years, the Aga Khan emerged as a notable business leader and philanthropist, effortlessly integrating spiritual and worldly endeavors.

Acknowledged as a head of state, he received the title “His Highness” from Queen Elizabeth in July 1957. This followed his grandfather’s unexpected decision to name him heir to their family’s 1,300-year legacy as leaders of the Ismaili Muslim sect.

He was officially inaugurated as the Aga Khan IV on October 19, 1957, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This is the same place where his grandfather had once been honored by followers with gifts of diamonds equaling his weight.

He had departed from Harvard to care for his ailing grandfather, and 18 months later, he resumed his studies with a strong sense of duty.

He was well-regarded as a community builder and a strong advocate for Islamic culture and values.

In July 1957, following the unforeseen announcement by his grandfather Aga Khan III that he would succeed him as leader of the Ismaili Muslim community and inherit its 1,300-year legacy, the Aga Khan was acknowledged as a head of state and granted the title “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth.

He was formally inaugurated as Aga Khan IV on October 19, 1957, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania—the very place where his grandfather had previously been presented with diamond tributes by his followers.

After leaving Harvard to care for his ailing grandfather, he resumed his studies 18 months later with a team by his side and a strong sense of duty.

Recognized for upholding Islamic culture and values, he was regarded as a bridge-builder between Muslim communities and the West, mainly because of his reluctance to involve himself in political issues.

His main charitable organization, the Aga Khan Development Network, is dedicated to healthcare, housing, education, and economic development in rural areas.

The organization functions in more than 30 countries and allocates around $1 billion annually to its non-profit initiatives.

A network of hospitals bearing his name has been established in regions with insufficient healthcare, such as Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. He has invested tens of millions of dollars there to boost local economies.

Determining the full extent of the Aga Khan’s financial assets is challenging, but some estimates suggest that his personal wealth amounts to billions.

The Ismailis, a sect that began in India and has expanded into East Africa, Central and South Asia, as well as the Middle East, are anticipated to contribute up to 12.5% of their income to him as their steward.

The Ismaili community’s website states that he was born on December 13, 1936, in Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva, Switzerland. His parents were Joan Yarde-Buller and Aly Khan. He also spent part of his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, where a hospital now bears his name as an honor.

He gained recognition as a horse breeder and owner, and he represented Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics as a skier.

His keen interest in building and design inspired him to create an architecture award, as well as initiate programs for Islamic Architecture at MIT and Harvard.

He renovated historic Islamic structures worldwide.

The Aga Khan spent a significant amount of time living in France and had been residing in Portugal for the past several years.

His foundation and development network are located in Switzerland.

The Aga Khan is set to be laid to rest in Lisbon.

The date has not been announced.

He leaves behind three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren.