Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims and a globally renowned philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 88. His organization, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), confirmed that he died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family.
Born in Switzerland, the Aga Khan held British citizenship and resided in a grand château in France. As a spiritual leader, he was revered by millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide, who trace their lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Global Impact
Throughout his lifetime, the Aga Khan dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, with his charities running hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural projects, primarily in developing nations. His work spanned healthcare, poverty alleviation, and social development, impacting communities regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Despite his immense wealth—estimated at $1 billion by Forbes in 2008—the Aga Khan was best known for his charitable contributions. He founded the Aga Khan Foundation and lent his name to esteemed institutions such as the Aga Khan University in Karachi and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard and MIT. His influence also extended to the media industry, having established the Nation Media Group, the largest independent media organization in East and Central Africa.
A Life of Prestige and Passion
Beyond philanthropy, the Aga Khan was deeply passionate about horse racing and became one of the world’s leading breeders. His most famous horse, Shergar, secured a legendary victory at the Epsom Derby in 1981, winning by an astonishing 10 lengths. However, Shergar was later kidnapped in Ireland in 1983 and never recovered. Despite the loss, the Aga Khan remained committed to breeding, later producing champions such as Sinndar and Harzand.
His refined lifestyle included a private island in the Bahamas, a superyacht, and a personal jet, yet his heart remained devoted to the service of humanity.
Tributes from World Leaders
The Aga Khan’s passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from leaders across the globe. King Charles, a longtime friend of the Aga Khan and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, is said to be deeply saddened by his loss.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed him as a visionary who championed causes like poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai honored his lifelong commitment to education and development, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described him as a “symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in a troubled world.”
The Future of Ismaili Leadership
The Aga Khan Development Network announced that his successor—chosen from among his male descendants—will be named soon. The Ismaili community, numbering around 15 million worldwide, including significant populations in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Africa, now awaits the next leader to continue his legacy.
While the world mourns his passing, the Aga Khan’s vision of progress, compassion, and service will undoubtedly endure through the institutions he built and the countless lives he transformed.
