His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and a global humanitarian leader, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88.
His death was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community. He died in Portugal, surrounded by his family.
The Aga Khan, who became the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20 while still a Harvard undergraduate, dedicated his life to improving the lives of people in developing countries through a vast network of philanthropic initiatives.
His legacy includes the construction of homes, hospitals, and schools, as well as the promotion of Islamic culture and architecture.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Aga Khan was chosen as the successor to his grandfather, Aga Khan III, in 1957, bypassing his father.
At the time, his grandfather described him as a young man “brought up in the midst of the new age,” uniquely suited to lead the global Ismaili community. He was given the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II shortly after his ascension.
Over the decades, the Aga Khan evolved into a prominent business magnate and philanthropist, balancing his spiritual duties with a worldly vision.
His Aga Khan Development Network, which operates in over 30 countries, focuses on health care, education, housing, and rural economic development, with an annual budget of approximately $1 billion for nonprofit activities.
The Aga Khan was also a passionate advocate for Islamic culture and architecture. He established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and supported programs in Islamic architecture at MIT and Harvard. His efforts to restore ancient Islamic structures worldwide earned him widespread acclaim.
Beyond his philanthropic work, the Aga Khan was a well-known figure in the equestrian world and represented Iran as a skier in the 1964 Winter Olympics. He was also a successful horse breeder and owner.
Tributes poured in from around the world following the announcement of his death. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader” and a “very good friend,” adding that he would be “deeply, deeply missed by people around the world.”The Aga Khan’s successor has been designated in his will, though the name has not yet been made public. According to Ismaili tradition, the successor is chosen from among his male descendants or other relatives. The will is expected to be read in Lisbon in the presence of his family and religious leaders.
The Aga Khan is survived by three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. He will be buried in Lisbon, though the date of the burial has not been announced.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community and the countless lives he touched through his unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and the promotion of Islamic values.
