Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and a globally recognized philanthropist, has died in Lisbon at the age of 88, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
A statement from the network said the announcement of his designated successor would follow.
As the 49th hereditary imam of the world’s 15 million Ismailis, Aga Khan IV was not only a spiritual guide but also a prominent figure in international development. His contributions extended beyond faith, with his name also linked to elite horse racing, including ownership of the famed thoroughbred Shergar.
Holding British, French, Swiss, and Portuguese citizenship, he dedicated vast resources to uplifting impoverished communities worldwide. In a rare 2007 interview with The New York Times, he remarked, “If you travel the developing world, you see poverty is the driver of tragic despair, and there is the possibility that any means out will be taken.” He believed that supporting the poor through business initiatives helped create a buffer against extremism.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Shah Karim Al-Husseini spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before moving to Switzerland. He attended the prestigious Le Rosey School and later pursued Islamic history at Harvard University.
His leadership of the Ismaili community began in 1957, when he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, at the age of 20. The title “Aga Khan,” which translates to commanding chief, originated in the 1830s when the Persian emperor granted it to his great-great-grandfather.
Beyond his religious role, Aga Khan IV played a crucial part in global humanitarian efforts. In 1967, he established the Aga Khan Development Network, a consortium of agencies working in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Employing 80,000 people, the organization has been instrumental in building schools, hospitals, and electricity networks for millions in Africa and Asia.
His death marks the end of an era for Ismailis and the broader philanthropic community, as they await news of his successor.
