The Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims and Renowned Philanthropist, Dies at 88

The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide and a prominent philanthropist, passed away at the age of 88. Known for his vast material empire built on billions of dollars in tithes, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of people in developing countries through the construction of homes, hospitals, and schools. His death marks the end of an era for the Ismaili Muslim community and the global philanthropic world.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community announced that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, died in Portugal surrounded by his family. His legacy as a spiritual leader, business magnate, and humanitarian will be remembered for generations.

A Spiritual Leader from a Young Age

The Aga Khan became the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims at the remarkably young age of 20 while he was still an undergraduate at Harvard University. His grandfather, the Aga Khan III, bypassed the Aga Khan’s playboy father, Aly Khan, to name him as his successor. The decision was rooted in the belief that the Ismaili community should be led by a young man “who has been brought up in the midst of the new age.”

A Direct Descendant of Prophet Muhammad

Considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, the Aga Khan IV was born on December 13, 1936, in Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva, Switzerland. He was the son of Joan Yarde-Buller and Aly Khan and spent part of his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, where a hospital now bears his name.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Development

The Aga Khan’s main philanthropic organization, the Aga Khan Development Network, operates in over 30 countries and focuses on health care, housing, education, and rural economic development. With an annual budget of approximately $1 billion for nonprofit activities, the AKDN has transformed the lives of millions in some of the world’s most impoverished regions.

Hospitals, Schools, and Economic Development

The Aga Khan established a network of hospitals bearing his name in countries like Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, where healthcare was previously inaccessible to the poorest communities. He also invested tens of millions of dollars in local economic development, particularly in Central and South Asia.

A Global Figure Bridging Cultures

The Aga Khan was a staunch defender of Islamic culture and values. He was widely regarded as a bridge-builder between Muslim societies and the West. His reticence to engage in politics allowed him to focus on cultural and humanitarian efforts, earning him respect across religious and cultural divides.

Architecture and Cultural Preservation

The Aga Khan had a keen eye for architecture and design. He established the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture and programs for Islamic Architecture at MIT and Harvard. His efforts to restore ancient Islamic structures worldwide have left an indelible mark on cultural preservation.

A Life of Privilege and Responsibility

The Aga Khan’s financial empire was vast, with some estimates placing his personal wealth in the billions. However, he viewed wealth not as an end but as a means to fulfill his moral responsibility to society. “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 told Vanity Fair in 2012.

The Ismaili Tradition of Tithing

The Ismaili community, originally centered in India but now spread across East Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East, considers it a duty to tithe up to 12.5% of their income to the Aga Khan as their spiritual steward. This tradition has funded much of his philanthropic work.

A Man of Many Passions

The Aga Khan was a well-known figure in the equestrian world, renowned as a horse breeder and owner. He also represented Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics as a skier, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.

Global Residences and Final Resting Place

The Aga Khan lived for extended periods in France and had been based in Portugal for the past several years. His development network and foundation are headquartered in Switzerland. He will be buried in Lisbon, Portugal, though the date of his burial has not been announced.