Prince Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88

Prince Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88

Prince Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community and a prominent philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 88 in Portugal, surrounded by his family. His death was confirmed by both the Aga Khan Foundation and the Ismaili religious community on February 4, 2025. Further announcements regarding his successor will follow. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.

The Aga Khan, regarded by his followers as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20. He was studying at Harvard University when his grandfather passed away and chose him over his father to lead the community. His grandfather's decision was based on his belief that the community should be guided by a young man “who has been brought up amid the new age.”

Throughout his life, the Aga Khan was both a business magnate and a philanthropist, using his wealth to fund projects in healthcare, education, and housing in developing countries. His philanthropic work was led by the Aga Khan Development Network, which focuses on improving living conditions in rural areas.

A staunch advocate for Islamic culture, the Aga Khan built bridges between Muslim societies and the West while staying largely out of politics. His charitable efforts include the establishment of hospitals in places with limited medical access, such as Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, as well as major investments in economic development.

Recognized as a head of state, he was granted the title "His Highness" by Queen Elizabeth in 1957, shortly after being named the heir to his grandfather’s 1,300-year-old dynasty.

A passionate advocate for cultural preservation, the Aga Khan also focused on Islamic architecture, establishing prestigious awards and programs at institutions such as MIT and Harvard. His efforts in restoring historic Islamic structures worldwide helped preserve cultural heritage.

His exact birth date and place are debated, but he is generally thought to have been born on December 13, 1936, in Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva, Switzerland.

The Aga Khan’s immense financial empire, estimated to be in the billions, was built not just on his own wealth but also through the generous contributions of his followers. The Ismailis, who have large communities around the world, contribute up to 10% of their income to him as their spiritual leader. The Aga Khan viewed wealth accumulation not as a vice, but as a moral responsibility to help others

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