Karim Aga Khan: A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and a globally renowned philanthropist and billionaire, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

His philanthropic organization, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), confirmed his death, stating in a social media announcement that he passed away “peacefully in the presence of his family.”

People around the world, including the Ismaili community, highly esteemed and revered Karim Aga Khan, whose full name is Karim al-Husseini.

He actively contributed to philanthropy and established institutions for the public good.

In its statement, the Aga Khan Development Network expressed condolences to “Prince Karim’s family and the global Ismaili community,” adding, “We continue to work with our partners worldwide, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries, to improve the quality of life for deserving individuals and communities, as Prince Karim had wished.”

Karim Aga Khan served as the Imam of the Ismaili Shia community for nearly seven decades.

The Ismailis are a Muslim sect with a global population of approximately 15 million, including over 500,000 in Pakistan, as well as significant populations in India, Afghanistan, and Africa.

The Ismaili community believes that their Imam’s lineage traces directly back to the Prophet Muhammad.

However, the line of Imamat diverges from the Twelver Shia Muslims after Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (the sixth Imam).

While Twelver Shias recognize Musa al-Kazim and his descendants as Imams, Ismailis regard Jafar al-Sadiq’s eldest son, Ismail ibn Jafar (who passed away during his father’s lifetime), as their seventh Imam, followed by his descendants.

Who Was Prince Karim Aga Khan?

Prince Karim Aga Khan was born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland. He held citizenship in several countries, including the United Kingdom and France, but spent most of his life in France.

Despite not ruling over a specific territory, he led his followers with authority, and they considered his guidance final.

Sir Sultan Muhammad Aga Khan III bypassed his son, Prince Ali Khan, and appointed his grandson, Karim Aga Khan, as his successor, breaking tradition.

After the death of Aga Khan III in 1957, Karim Aga Khan assumed the role of spiritual leader of the Ismaili community at the age of 20.

Aga Khan IV served as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.

His followers held accession ceremonies worldwide, including in Pakistan, where they enthroned him in Karachi on January 23, 1958. Then-President Iskander Mirza, Prime Minister Feroz Khan Noon, and about 150,000 followers attended the event.

He lived a royal lifestyle, owning a private island in the Bahamas, a luxury yacht, and a private jet.

Forbes magazine estimated his wealth at $1 billion in 2008.

He expanded his inherited fortune through investments in various businesses, including horse breeding in Europe.

In 1969, Prince Karim Aga Khan married an Englishwoman who took the Islamic name Salimah.

They had three children: Zahra Aga Khan, Rahim Aga Khan, and Hussain Aga Khan.

The couple divorced in 1995 after 26 years of marriage. In 1998, he married Inaara, with whom he had a son, Ali Muhammad Aga Khan, but they also divorced in 2011.

Prince Karim Aga Khan’s Passion for Horses

Prince Karim Aga Khan had a deep passion for horse breeding and racing.

He was a leading owner and breeder of racehorses in the UK, France, and Ireland.

His favorite horse, Shergar, was once the world’s most famous and valuable racehorse.

In 1981, Shergar set a record by winning the Epsom Derby, but kidnappers tragically abducted him in Ireland two years later and never returned him.

In 2011, on the 30th anniversary of Shergar’s victory, Prince Karim told the BBC that despite the loss of his beloved horse, he never considered giving up breeding Irish racehorses.

Reflecting on Shergar’s triumph, he said, “It is a memory that can never be forgotten.”

Karim Aga Khan and Philanthropy

Prince Karim Aga Khan was deeply committed to helping people worldwide in financial, educational, and health matters.

After assuming the role of Imam, he established the Aga Khan Development Network and initiated a wide range of philanthropic projects that spanned the globe.

The AKDN operates in approximately 35 countries, working to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life.

Its subsidiaries include the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Aga Khan Economic Services, and Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, all of which were overseen by Prince Karim himself.

He also launched the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, which significantly promoted Islamic architecture worldwide.

The Aga Khan Foundation established a major hospital and medical university in Karachi, which is a unique institution in Pakistan.

The hospital’s design was created by the American architectural firm Payette International.

Additionally, he founded the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and initiated new educational programs at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

His organization, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, played a key role in the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.

He also established the Nation Media Group, which became the largest independent media organization in East and Central Africa.

The Aga Khan Foundation played a significant role in the development of Pakistan’s northern regions, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan.

In 1980, the foundation established the Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Aga Khan Health Services, and other institutions that continue to contribute to the region’s development and prosperity.

Honors and Recognition

Aga Khan IV was honored with numerous awards and titles from various countries.

He received national honors from 20 countries and honorary doctorates from 19 of the world’s leading universities.

Among his accolades were the title “His Highness” and the “Knight Commander of the British Empire” from the UK, honorary citizenship from Canada, fellowship in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz from the Government of Pakistan.

Tributes from World Leaders

Prince Karim Aga Khan had close personal relationships with royal families and leaders worldwide, including the British royal family.

Following his passing, King Charles III of the United Kingdom expressed deep sorrow.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described him as “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in a troubled world.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Prince Karim, calling him a visionary, generous, and significant leader.

He stated, “Through his tireless efforts in eradicating poverty, healthcare, and gender equality, he supported marginalized communities and left an indelible mark on countless lives.”

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai remarked, “His legacy will live on through the incredible work he did for education, health, and development worldwide.”