ASWAN, Egypt — A private ceremony was held on Sunday to honor the late Aga Khan IV in Aswan, Egypt, marking his final resting place. The announcement of the death of Prince Karim, who served as the 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, was made on Tuesday through statements from the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili community. Following his father’s wishes, his son Rahim Al-Hussaini, aged 53, has now assumed the title of Aga Khan V, becoming the spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
On Saturday, a private memorial service was hosted at the Ismaili community center in Lisbon, where notable figures attended, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former King of Spain Juan Carlos, and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The Aga Khan holds a revered position among his followers, believed to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is treated with the status akin to a head of state.
Upon the arrival of Prince Karim’s family at the airport in southern Egypt, the governor of Aswan greeted them. Major General Ismail Kamal shared that an important aspect of Prince Karim’s will was his wish to be buried in Aswan, close to the graves of his grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Shah, and his grandmother, Om Habiba.
During the burial service, Ismaili mourners marched solemnly as bells tolled in Aswan province, accompanying the van that carried Prince Karim’s body, which was wrapped in a white shroud. In a poignant ceremony, his remains were transported via yacht along the Nile River.
Having been granted the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, Prince Karim, who was 88 years old at the time of his passing, was unexpectedly named the heir of a lineage that dates back 1,300 years when his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, appointed him as leader of the Ismaili community.
Over the years, the Aga Khan established himself as both a prominent business figure and a philanthropist, adeptly navigating the realms of spirituality and worldly pursuits. He championed Islamic culture and values while fostering connections between Muslim communities and the Western world.
The Aga Khan Development Network focuses on a range of critical issues including health care, housing, education, and rural economic advancement. Operating across more than 30 countries, it has an annual budget of around $1 billion dedicated to its nonprofit development initiatives.
Historically, Ismailis have occupied regions in Iran, Syria, and South Asia for many years, with recent settlements in East Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, as well as in Europe, North America, and Australia. Members of this community often feel it is their obligation to contribute up to 12.5% of their earnings to the Aga Khan as a steward.
