The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Shia Muslim community, passed away on Feb. 4 in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88.
Born on Dec. 13, 1936 in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim al-Hussaini was the 49th hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims. The eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Princess Tajuddawlah, he was educated at Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history. He ascended to the Imamat in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Aga Khan III.
Throughout his nearly seven-decade-long leadership of the Ismaili community, the Aga Khan was renowned for his profound commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian efforts. He established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which invests approximately $1 billion annually in projects spanning 30 countries. The AKDN focuses on improving quality of life through initiatives in education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and economic development, irrespective of recipients’ religious affiliations.
In Pakistan, the Aga Khan’s contributions were particularly impactful. He founded the Aga Khan University in Karachi in 1983, the country’s first private university. It has since become a leading institution in medical education and research. The Aga Khan Health Services operates numerous hospitals and clinics across Pakistan, providing quality healthcare to underserved communities. Additionally, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has been instrumental in restoring historical sites, including the Lahore Walled City and the Baltit Fort in Gilgit-Baltistan, promoting cultural heritage and tourism.
Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, the Aga Khan was a prominent figure in the equestrian world, owning and breeding thoroughbred racehorses. His horse, Shergar, won the Epsom Derby in 1981 and became one of the most famous racehorses in history. He also maintained close relationships with global leaders and was a trusted adviser on issues concerning the Muslim world.
Following his passing, his eldest son Prince Rahim Aga Khan has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, assuming the title of Aga Khan V. Born on Oct. 12, 1971, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Rahim was educated at Brown University, where he studied comparative literature. He has been actively involved in the AKDN, particularly in areas related to environmental sustainability and climate change.
The Aga Khan is survived by three sons—Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad—and daughter Princess Zahra, as well as several grandchildren. His family, along with the global Ismaili community and countless beneficiaries of his philanthropic work, are mourning the loss of the visionary leader, whose life’s work transcended cultural and religious boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Condolences
In their condolences, global leaders have recognized the Aga Khan’s immense contributions to humanitarianism and global development. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in separate statements, hailed him as a “true friend of Pakistan.” They also acknowledged his role in uplifting education and healthcare in the country.
Messages of sympathy have also poured in from leaders across the globe, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who praised his relentless pursuit of social development.
Heads of state from Canada, the United Kingdom, and France have also offered their condolences, honoring the Aga Khan’s efforts in fostering intercultural dialogue and global progress.