Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88 in Portugal
Lisbon, Feb 5: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and a global philanthropist, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88. The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community announced that he died in Portugal, surrounded by his family.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Switzerland, the Aga Khan became the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims at just 20 years old while still an undergraduate at Harvard. He was chosen by his grandfather, Aga Khan III, who bypassed his son, believing that the community should be led by a young man 'brought up during the new age.'
Throughout his life, the Aga Khan balanced his religious role with business and philanthropy, building a vast empire that funded homes, hospitals, and schools in developing countries. His Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), active in over 30 nations, focuses on healthcare, education, rural development, and cultural preservation, with an estimated annual budget of $1 billion for nonprofit activities. His philanthropic efforts included funding hospitals in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Tajikistan, as well as restoring historic Islamic sites and promoting architectural excellence through the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Although he avoided political involvement, the Aga Khan was widely regarded as a bridge between Muslim societies and the West. Queen Elizabeth II granted him the title of 'His Highness' in 1957, recognizing his influence on the global stage. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as an 'extraordinarily compassionate global leader' who will be deeply missed.
Beyond his philanthropic work, the Aga Khan was a well-known horse breeder, represented Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics as a skier, and established Islamic architecture programs at Harvard and MIT. He spent much of his life in France before settling in Portugal, where he will be laid to rest.
The identity of his successor, designated in his will, will be announced after a reading in Lisbon in the presence of his family and religious leaders. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren.
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