PARIS — The Aga Khan, the esteemed spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims, passed away at the age of 88. He died on Tuesday in Portugal, surrounded by loved ones. The Aga Khan, known for his extensive philanthropy and public service, had taken on leadership of the Ismaili community at just 20 years old while studying at Harvard. Over his lifetime, he built a vast empire supported by significant tithes, dedicating resources to the creation of homes, schools, and hospitals in various developing nations.
The announcement of his death was made by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili community, who also revealed that a successor has been designated in his will. This will be read in the presence of family and religious leaders in Lisbon before the name is disclosed to the public. No specific date has been provided for this event. The heir could be chosen from his male descendants or other relatives as per the traditions of the Ismaili community.
Aga Khan IV, born Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, was believed by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He became the fourth Aga Khan on October 19, 1957, after his grandfather chose him over his father to lead the Shia Ismaili diaspora. This decision stemmed from the belief that a young leader would be better suited to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Throughout the years, he transformed into a prominent businessman and a dedicated philanthropist, seamlessly blending his spiritual and secular roles. Following the announcement of his passing, tributes began pouring in, particularly from Ismaili communities in the United States and various charity organizations that benefited from his generous support. Well-known in the equestrian circuit, he also received condolences from that community.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to the Aga Khan as “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader” and a personal friend, expressing the profound loss felt by many worldwide. Recognized almost like a head of state, the Aga Khan was granted the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, shortly after he was appointed as the heir to the Ismaili Muslim leadership.
His journey endured significant changes after leaving Harvard to care for his ailing grandfather, during which time he developed a strong sense of responsibility. In a 2012 interview, he reflected on having a clear vision of his life’s work, expressing that few find themselves as prepared for such a role at a young age.
Known as a proponent of Islamic culture and values, the Aga Khan was also praised for his ability to foster dialogue between Muslim societies and the West. His philanthropic organization, the Aga Khan Development Network, focuses on critical issues such as healthcare, education, housing, and rural development, operating across more than 30 countries with an impressive annual budget of around $1 billion dedicated to nonprofit initiatives.
His efforts in healthcare were particularly noteworthy, with numerous hospitals established in underserved areas like Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, where he invested significantly in regional economies. Despite the challenges in gauging his wealth—often estimated to be in the billions—his financial empire was rooted in the principle that wealth should be a duty to serve society. He emphasized a moral obligation to give back, reinforcing that Islam does not equate wealth with evil.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Creux-de-Genthod, Switzerland, he was the son of Joan Yarde-Buller and Aly Khan. His upbringing included elements of growing up in Nairobi, where a hospital is named after him. Additionally, the Aga Khan made a mark in the world of sports as a horse breeder and skied for Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics. He also promoted architectural excellence, initiating programs at prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard and restoring historical Islamic sites worldwide.
Recently, he had resided mainly in Portugal, although his development network operations are based in Switzerland. Preparations for his burial in Lisbon are underway, yet no specific date has been announced for the ceremony. His legacy includes his three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren, who will carry forward his commitments and values.
