Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, passes away at 88

Over the decades, Aga Khan IV seamlessly blended his spiritual role with worldly pursuits, becoming a business magnate, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador. (Image: AFP file photo)

His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and founder of one of the world’s largest private development networks, passed away peacefully in Lisbon at the age of 88, surrounded by his family, his foundation announced on Tuesday.

As the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Aga Khan led a global community of 12 to 15 million Ismailis across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. His philanthropic legacy is enshrined in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which employs over 96,000 people and spearheads development programs focusing on health, education, and economic growth, particularly in Asia and Africa.

Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Aga Khan IV was thrust into leadership at just 20 years old while an undergraduate at Harvard. His grandfather, bypassing Aga Khan's father—whose tumultuous marriage to American actress Rita Hayworth caused public scandal—chose him to lead the Ismaili community, citing his upbringing in the modern world as essential for guiding the faith into a new era.

Over the decades, Aga Khan IV seamlessly blended his spiritual role with worldly pursuits, becoming a business magnate, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador. His financial empire, bolstered by tithes from the Ismaili community (who donate up to 12.5% of their income), allowed him to fund initiatives in healthcare, education, and rural development. His wealth also supported a passion for horse breeding, yachting, and architecture, with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture recognizing excellence in design that benefits Muslim communities worldwide.

Despite his global influence, the Aga Khan was known for steering clear of political entanglements. “Islam is not a faith of conflict or social disorder; it's a religion of peace,” he stated in a 2017 interview, emphasizing his commitment to fostering understanding between Muslim societies and the West.

The news of his passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from global leaders and humanitarian figures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised him as “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world,” while Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai highlighted his transformative work in education and health.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called the Aga Khan “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader,” remembered him as a personal friend and a champion of tolerance. In recognition of his contributions, the Aga Khan was granted honourary Canadian citizenship and was treated with the honors typically reserved for heads of state.

The Ismaili religious community and the AKDN confirmed that the Aga Khan's successor has been designated in his will, which will be read in Lisbon in the presence of his family and religious leaders. The successor will likely be chosen from his male progeny or close relatives, continuing the lineage that dates back over 1,300 years.

The Aga Khan will be laid to rest in Lisbon, where the Ismaili leadership is based, though the date of his funeral has not been announced.

He is survived by his three sons, one daughter, and several grandchildren. As the world mourns his passing, his legacy will endure through the institutions he built and the millions of lives he touched across continents.