Aga Khan IV dies at 88, leaving a global legacy in philanthropy and Islamic culture

The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, Aga Khan IV, has passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. The news was confirmed by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the philanthropic organization he led for decades. Considered one of the world’s greatest benefactors, Aga Khan dedicated his life to promoting education, health, and economic development across various regions, especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His trajectory was marked by an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the communities he served, regardless of religion or origin.

Born Shah Karim Al Husseini on December 13, 1936, in Switzerland, he assumed the leadership of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather, Aga Khan III. Since then, his role as Imam extended beyond the religious sphere, making him one of the most influential figures in global philanthropy. Under his leadership, the AKDN expanded into multiple sectors, solidifying itself as one of the world’s largest social development networks.

His death has drawn international reactions, with political and religious leaders expressing their condolences. King Charles III, a personal friend of Aga Khan, expressed sorrow at the loss of a longtime ally. His contributions to preserving Islamic cultural heritage and supporting educational and healthcare projects have made him one of the most important philanthropists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Spiritual leadership and global philanthropy

Aga Khan IV led approximately 15 million Ismaili followers worldwide, guiding them not only spiritually but also by providing socio-economic support to their communities. He advocated for the modernization of the Ismaili faith and emphasized education as a tool for social transformation.

Understanding the need for structured assistance, he established and funded the AKDN, a conglomerate of institutions focused on sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries, implementing projects in key areas such as:

• Education: establishment and management of schools, universities, and scholarship programs.
• Healthcare: construction of hospitals, clinics, and training of medical professionals.
• Infrastructure: investments in electrification, water supply, and urban development.
• Entrepreneurship: funding small businesses and promoting innovation.
• Culture: preservation of historical heritage and support for Islamic arts.

Currently, the AKDN is present in over 30 countries, and its positive impact is widely recognized by international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

Aga Khan IV’s role in Islamic architecture and cultural heritage

Beyond his philanthropic work, Aga Khan was a strong advocate for preserving Islamic architectural heritage. He established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, one of the most prestigious prizes in the field of civil construction, recognizing projects that balance innovation and cultural preservation.

Some of his key initiatives include:

• The restoration of Humayun’s Tomb in India, one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture.
• The creation of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, in collaboration with institutions like Harvard and MIT.
• Funding sustainable urban development projects in developing countries.

These efforts ensured the recognition and appreciation of historical heritage while highlighting the role of architecture in improving social well-being.

Passion for horse racing and the mystery of Shergar

Despite his influence as a religious leader and philanthropist, Aga Khan IV was also a prominent figure in the world of horse racing. He inherited his family’s tradition of breeding thoroughbred horses and became one of the leading owners and breeders globally.

His most famous horse, Shergar, won the 1981 Epsom Derby by a record 10-length margin. However, in 1983, Shergar was kidnapped in Ireland in one of the most notorious mysteries in horse racing history. The horse was never found, and the case remains unsolved.

In addition to Shergar, Aga Khan achieved significant victories with other elite horses, solidifying his reputation as an influential figure in the equestrian world.

International recognition and global impact

Aga Khan IV’s work received extensive recognition throughout his life. He was honored with multiple awards for his contributions to humanity, including:

• The title of “His Highness”, granted by Queen Elizabeth II.
• The Order of the British Empire, for his services to global philanthropy.
• Sustainable Development Awards, presented by international organizations.

His efforts were praised not only by Western leaders but also by heads of state in the Islamic world, who saw him as a transformative figure balancing tradition and modernity.

Timeline of Aga Khan IV’s legacy

• 1957: Assumes leadership as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims at 20 years old.
• 1967: Establishes the AKDN, focusing on social and educational development.
• 1981: Shergar wins the Epsom Derby.
• 1983: Shergar is kidnapped and never found.
• 1997: Launches the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture.
• 2016: Inaugurates electrification projects in African villages.
• 2024: Passes away in Lisbon at the age of 88.

The succession and the future of Ismaili leadership

With Aga Khan IV’s passing, the Ismaili community now awaits the announcement of his successor. Tradition dictates that the new Imam will be chosen based on instructions left by Aga Khan before his death. His eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, has been widely speculated as a potential successor, though no official confirmation has been made yet.

The transition of leadership will be a crucial moment for the Ismaili community, determining its direction for the years ahead. However, Aga Khan IV’s legacy is already firmly established, and his influence will continue to shape the worlds of philanthropy and Islamic culture.