The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of ismaili muslims and philanthropist, dies at 88
Paris (AP) – The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of millions of ismaili muslims worldwide, who dedicated his life to philanthropy, development, and the promotion of Islamic culture, has died at the age of 88.
His highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, passed away in Portugal on tuesday, surrounded by his family, according to an announcement from the Aga Khan development network and the Ismaili religious community.
His eldest son, Rahim, has been named as the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary imam, in accordance with his father’s wishes. The Ismaili community’s official website stated that funeral arrangements and an homage ceremony would take place in the coming days.
A life of leadership and philanthropy
The Aga Khan was only 20 years old and a student at Harvard University when he succeeded his grandfather as the leader of the Ismaili Muslim community in 1957. Bypassing his father, his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, had selected him as a leader more in tune with the modern world, believing the community would be best served by a young man raised in a contemporary setting.
Over the course of his life, the Aga Khan became both a business magnate and a philanthropic visionary, balancing his spiritual duties with significant contributions to global development. His vast network of charitable organisations focused on healthcare, education, housing, and rural economic development, improving the lives of millions in some of the world’s poorest regions.
His influence extended well beyond the Ismaili community. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest private development agencies in the world, operates in over 30 countries and has an annual budget of approximately $1 billion dedicated to humanitarian work. His investments in healthcare led to the establishment of hospitals in countries such as Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, providing crucial services where they were most needed.
Tributes from world leaders
World leaders have paid tribute to the Aga Khan, recognising his unwavering commitment to peace and progress. United nations secretary-General António Guterres described him as “a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a long-time friend of the Aga Khan, called him “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader.” The Aga Khan’s contributions to education, culture, and humanitarian aid have been widely acknowledged, with condolences also pouring in from charitable organisations, academic institutions, and the equestrian world, where he was a respected figure.
A legacy beyond religion
Born on 13 december 1936 in Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva, Switzerland, the Aga Khan was the son of Joan Yarde-Buller and Aly Khan. Part of his childhood was spent in Nairobi, Kenya, where a hospital now bears his name.
In addition to his role as a spiritual leader, he was deeply engaged in the preservation of Islamic culture and architecture. He founded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, recognising excellence in design within the Islamic world. His financial empire also supported the establishment of Islamic architectural programmes at institutions such as Harvard and MIT.
The Aga Khan was known for his passion for equestrian sports, particularly horse breeding and racing. He represented Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics as a skier and was a well-respected figure in the international horse racing community.
Financial empire and stewardship
While the precise extent of his wealth remains difficult to quantify, reports have estimated his personal fortune to be in the billions. However, he viewed wealth not as an end in itself but as a means to improve society.
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“The Islamic ethic is that if God has given you the capacity or good fortune to be a privileged individual in society, you have a moral responsibility to society,” he stated in a 2012 interview with Vanity Fair.
The Ismaili community, which traces its heritage back 1,300 years, has traditionally lived in Iran, Syria, and South Asia. Over time, they have also settled in East Africa, central Asia, the middle east, europe, north america, and australia. A key religious principle among Ismailis is the practice of tithing, with many members contributing up to 12.5% of their income to the Aga Khan as their spiritual leader and steward.
Final years and legacy
The Aga Khan spent much of his life in France but had been based in Portugal in recent years. His development network and foundation, headquartered in Switzerland, continue to drive initiatives for global progress.
He is survived by his three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. As his son Rahim steps into the role of Aga Khan V, the world reflects on a leader who not only guided his community with wisdom and compassion but also left an indelible mark on humanitarianism and cultural preservation worldwide.
