His Highness the Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. His death marks the end of an extraordinary era of spiritual leadership, humanitarian efforts, and global development. His successor, the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, will be announced following the reading of his Will in the coming days.
A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
A direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV dedicated his life to the spiritual and material upliftment of Ismaili Muslims and the broader global community. He was widely recognized not only for his religious leadership but also for his relentless commitment to improving the quality of life for people across the world, particularly in developing nations.
The Aga Khan believed in Islam as a "thinking, spiritual faith" that champions compassion, tolerance, and human dignity. His approach to leadership extended beyond religious guidance, fostering a legacy of philanthropy and socioeconomic development that continues to shape millions of lives worldwide.
Early Life and Ascension to Imamat
Born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, to Prince Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller, Prince Karim spent his early childhood in Nairobi, Kenya. His early attachment to East Africa later influenced his significant investments in the region's development.
Educated at the prestigious Le Rosey School in Switzerland, he later pursued Islamic history at Harvard University. In 1957, at just 20 years old, he was unexpectedly named the 49th Imam of the Ismailis upon the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III. This momentous responsibility required him to forgo his academic ambitions and passion for soccer to assume the spiritual leadership of millions of Ismailis worldwide.
The Aga Khan Development Network: A Vision of Global Progress
Recognizing the importance of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the Aga Khan established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in 1967. Today, AKDN operates in over 30 countries, employing more than 80,000 people and investing approximately $1 billion annually in development projects. The network spans numerous sectors, including health, education, rural development, architecture, culture, and economic initiatives.
In Kenya and East Africa, the Aga Khan’s influence remains profound. Institutions such as the Aga Khan Schools, the Aga Khan University, and the Aga Khan University Hospital continue to provide world-class education and healthcare. His economic initiatives, including the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), foster sustainable development across multiple industries, reinforcing his ethos: "AKFED does seek to generate profits, but they are entirely reinvested in future development initiatives."
Through Nation Media Group, one of East Africa’s largest independent media organizations, the Aga Khan championed journalistic integrity and freedom of the press. His economic ventures also include Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Ltd, Allpack Industries Ltd, Farmer’s Choice Ltd, Premier Food Industries Ltd, and Tourism Promotion Services Eastern Africa Ltd, among others.
A Passion for Culture and Equestrian Excellence
Beyond his philanthropic and business endeavors, the Aga Khan had a deep appreciation for culture, architecture, and horse racing. He founded the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which has been instrumental in the restoration of historic sites, including the Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, established in 1977, continues to recognize projects that blend contemporary design with historical and cultural contexts.
His passion for horse racing led him to become one of the world’s most successful racehorse owners and breeders. His horse Shergar won the Epsom Derby in 1981 by a record 10 lengths, a triumph that remains legendary in racing history. Though Shergar was tragically kidnapped in 1983 and never recovered, the Aga Khan’s commitment to the sport endured, with further Derby victories and the exceptional success of the undefeated filly Zarkava in the 2008 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Recognition and Global Influence
The Aga Khan’s contributions earned him global recognition and deep respect among world leaders. In 2017, during Uganda’s 55th independence anniversary, President Yoweri Museveni awarded him the ‘Most Excellent Order of Pearl of Africa, the Grandmaster’ for his decades-long contributions to the nation’s development.
He was also a close confidant of the British royal family, maintaining a special friendship with the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. Following his passing, King Charles is reported to be deeply saddened and in contact with the Aga Khan’s family.
A Lasting Legacy
The Aga Khan’s passing leaves a profound void in the realms of religious leadership, philanthropy, and global development. However, his legacy endures through the countless institutions and initiatives he established, ensuring that his vision for a more just, tolerant, and prosperous world continues to flourish.
As the world mourns his loss, figures such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres have honored him as "a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world." Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai remarked that his efforts in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation will leave "an indelible mark on countless lives."
His Highness the Aga Khan IV is survived by his children: Princess Zahra, and Princes Rahim, Hussain, and Aly Muhammad. The announcement of his successor is eagerly awaited, as his Will is read in the coming days.
His journey on earth has ended, but his vision, institutions, and humanitarian work will live on, continuing to uplift generations to come.
