Lagatar24 Desk
Lisbon: Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, widely known as Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims, passed away at the age of 88 in Portugal on Tuesday. A statement from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)confirmed that he was surrounded by family at the time of his death.
His burial will take place in Lisbon, and his successor has been named in his will, which will be read in the presence of family and religious leaders before being made public.
🔹 A Legacy of Leadership & Philanthropy
• Born on December 13, 1936, in Switzerland, Aga Khan IV became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957, at the age of 20, while studying at Harvard University.
• He was chosen by his grandfather, Aga Khan III, over his father Aly Khan, as a leader “who has been brought up in the midst of the new age.”
• Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) expanded into healthcare, education, housing, and rural development across 30+ countries, with an annual budget of nearly $1 billion.
• His philanthropic initiatives resulted in hospitals and schools operating in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and many other nations.
🔹 A Global Humanitarian & Visionary
• Aga Khan IV advocated for dialogue between Muslim societies and the West, promoting Islamic culture, architecture, and the arts.
• He launched the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and funded the restoration of historic Islamic sites worldwide.
• In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II granted him the title of “His Highness.”
• Known for his progressive views, he believed in using wealth for social good, stating,
“If God has given you the capacity or good fortune to be privileged in society, you have a moral responsibility to give back.”
🔹 Tributes From Global Leaders
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hailed him as “an extraordinary man of vision, faith, and generosity.”
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres called him “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”
• Many world leaders recognized his contributions to humanitarian work and his efforts in fostering global unity.
🔹 His Successor & Legacy
• Aga Khan IV is survived by three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren.
• His successor’s name will be publicly revealed after the reading of his will.
• His contributions to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation remain a lasting legacy.
