Ismaili community leader Prince Karim Aga Khan buried in Egypt's Aswan
Following Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's official approval on Saturday, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini (Aga Khan IV), the 49th imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, was buried in the Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan on Sunday.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), an Aga Khan charity, announced on Tuesday that Prince Karim passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
Aga Khan IV was buried in Aswan alongside his grandfather, Aga Khan III, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
His funeral service was held on Wednesday in Portugal before Sunday's private burial ceremony in Egypt.
On Saturday, Aswan Governor Major General Ismail Kamal received Aga Khan's son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, and his family at Aswan International Airport in preparation for the official funeral ceremony, according to a statement from the governorate.
According to an AKDN post on X, his son Aga Khan V was named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims a day after his death.
Who was Prince Karim Aga Khan?
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the Ismaili Muslim community's 49th imam and spiritual leader.
This Shia sect traces its spiritual leadership through a lineage of imams, including Imam Ismail, who passed away in 765 AD.
Ismailis believe they are direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was born in Switzerland and held British citizenship.
In 1957, at age 20, he became the imam of the Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by former President Pranab Mukherjee. Photo by AKDN
He founded the AKDN , a network dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in need, primarily in Asia and Africa.
He also established the Nation Media Group (NMG), one of the largest independent media organizations in East and Central Africa, serving as a voice for the African population.
Aswan governor receiving Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, and his family at Aswan. Photo by Aswan Governorate Facebook page
Aga Khan also established the Om Habibeh Foundation in Aswan, which plays a vital role in implementing development programmes supporting healthcare, education, and microfinance initiatives to improve the lives of local communities.
In 2015, former President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Aga Khan the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to social development in the country.
Global tributes
World leaders and public figures have honoured Prince Aga Khan and recognized his contributions to global development.
Emirati Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum extended his condolences on Wednesday through X.
He described Prince Karim Aga Khan as one of the "world's greatest philanthropists, whose life's work was dedicated to relieving the hopelessness of poverty, promoting human development, building bridges between communities, and working tirelessly in the cause of peace."
Activist and Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai also paid tribute in a post on X: "His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world."
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described him as "a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world," extending his condolences to his family and the Ismaili community in a post on X on Wednesday.
I am deeply saddened by the news that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, has passed away. He was a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world.
I express my deepest condolences to His Highness's family and the Ismaili community. pic.twitter.com/VvXCrq8zPQ — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 4, 2025
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