Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, has passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced his death on X, stating that details regarding his designated successor would be shared in due course.
Born in Geneva in 1936, he became the Ismaili imam in 1957 at just 20, following the death of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. Over the decades, he transformed the role into one of immense global influence, spearheading development projects and advocating for humanitarian causes.
Global tributes
Leaders and dignitaries worldwide expressed sorrow at his passing. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called him a “symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted his “devotion to peace and prosperity,” praising his work in tackling poverty, education, and gender inequality.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described him as a “man of vision, faith, and generosity” whose work in poverty alleviation and healthcare left an “indelible mark.”
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai also paid tribute, stating that his “legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development.”
From Africa, Kenya’s President William Ruto called him “an extraordinary leader” who went beyond expectations to help vulnerable communities.
Who was Prince Karim Aga Khan?
Prince Karim Aga Khan was not just a spiritual leader but also a major global philanthropist. In 1967, he founded the Aga Khan Development Network, which today employs 80,000 people and operates hospitals, schools, and infrastructure projects across Asia and Africa. His institutions have improved millions of lives, offering essential services regardless of religious background.
His philanthropy extended to cultural preservation. He established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and played a key role in restoring historical sites such as Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. He also founded the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and MIT.
Passion for horse racing
Outside philanthropy, he was a prominent figure in horse racing. He inherited his father’s breeding operation and went on to dominate European racing. His horses won numerous prestigious races, including the Epsom Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Among his most famous horses was Shergar, the 1981 Derby winner who was kidnapped in 1983 from Ballymany Stud in Ireland. The case remains one of racing’s greatest mysteries. Despite the loss, Aga Khan IV continued his racing success, winning major titles with champions like Sinndar, Zarkava, and Harzand.
A private yet influential figure
Despite his immense influence, the Aga Khan maintained a relatively private life. He held multiple nationalities – British, French, Swiss, and Portuguese – but resided mainly in France.
His close ties with European royalty included a long-standing friendship with Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. The British monarch was reportedly “deeply saddened” by his passing.
The future of Ismaili leadership
With 15 million Ismailis across the world, the Aga Khan’s successor will inherit a significant role. The community, with major populations in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, East Africa, and North America, awaits official word on the next imam.