PARIS, Feb 5: The Aga Khan, who assumed leadership of the Ismaili Muslim community at the young age of 20 while studying at Harvard, dedicated his life to philanthropic pursuits, investing billions in housing, healthcare, and education initiatives across developing nations, has passed away at 88.
The Aga Khan Development Network, along with the Ismaili community, confirmed that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, known as the Aga Khan IV and the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismailis, died in Portugal, surrounded by his loved ones.
His successor has been named in his will, which will be disclosed to family and religious leaders in Lisbon before being made public. A date for this announcement has yet to be confirmed. The successor will be selected from his male descendants or close relatives, as detailed on the Ismaili community’s website.
Revered by followers as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was still a student when his grandfather chose him over his father to lead the Shia Ismaili community, emphasizing the need for youthful leadership in a modern age.
Over the years, the Aga Khan became both a business leader and philanthropist, adeptly balancing his spiritual and worldly responsibilities.
Though news of his passing arrived later in the day across Europe and the Middle East, commemorative events were already underway in Ismaili communities in the US. Tributes flooded in online from various charitable organizations he supported, as well as from the equestrian community where he was a distinguished figure.
“An extraordinarily compassionate global leader,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressing profound sorrow over his loss. “He will be greatly missed by people worldwide.”
Regarded as a head of state, the Aga Khan received the title of “His Highness” from Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, shortly after he became heir to the family’s 1,300-year legacy as the leader of the Ismaili sect.
He officially became Aga Khan IV on October 19, 1957, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, at the same location where his grandfather had once received gifts of diamonds from his followers.
Initially having left Harvard to be with his ailing grandfather, he returned to his studies 18 months later, carrying a profound sense of responsibility.
“I was an undergraduate who understood what my lifelong work would be,” he shared in a 2012 Vanity Fair interview. “I doubt anyone else in my position would have been adequately prepared.”
A staunch advocate for Islamic culture and values, he was seen as a unifying figure between Muslim and Western societies, often choosing to refrain from political entanglement.
The Aga Khan Development Network, his principal philanthropic organization, primarily addresses healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development, operating in over 30 countries with an annual budget of around USD 1 billion for charitable activities.
His hospitals, named after him, serve underserved populations in regions like Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, where he invested tens of millions to foster local economic development.
The magnitude of the Aga Khan’s financial assets remains difficult to quantify, with some estimates suggesting his wealth is in the billions.
Ismailis, initially centered in India, now have substantial populations in East Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East, traditionally contributing up to 12.5 percent of their income to support him.
“We do not view wealth accumulation as inherently evil,” he remarked in the 2012 Vanity Fair interview. “According to Islamic ethics, if you are fortunate enough to be privileged, you have a moral obligation to give back to society.”
Born on December 13, 1936, in Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva, Switzerland, he was the son of Joan Yarde-Buller and Aly Khan and spent part of his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, where a hospital now honors him.
He gained fame as a horse breeder and owner and even represented Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics as a skier. His passion for architecture led him to create an award and establish Islamic Architecture programs at prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard, as he worked to restore historic Islamic sites worldwide.
The Aga Khan resided for significant periods in France and had been living in Portugal for several years prior to his passing. His development network and foundation continue to operate from Switzerland.
He will be interred in Lisbon, though the date has yet to be announced. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. (AP)
