His Highness the Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader, and Philanthropist, Dies at 88.
The Aga Khan Development Network announced the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan, a billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader, on Tuesday. He was 88.
Prince Karim passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, with his family by his side. He served as the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, leading a community that traces its lineage to Prophet Muhammad.
In 1957, at age 20, he assumed leadership from his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III. During his 68-year tenure, he focused on helping vulnerable populations worldwide through the Aga Khan Development Network.
His work emphasized Islam as a faith of compassion, tolerance, and human dignity. The Network's programs improved education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across many countries.
The organization plans to announce his successor shortly. In a statement, Network leaders pledged to continue their founder's mission of enhancing the quality of life for communities worldwide, regardless of religious beliefs or origins.
The Aga Khan's legacy spans more than six decades of international development work. His initiatives touched millions of lives through projects in healthcare, education, architecture, and cultural preservation.
This death marks the end of an era for the global Ismaili Muslim community and the broader world of humanitarian work. His passing leaves a profound impact on both spiritual and philanthropic spheres.
The Aga Khan Development Network announced the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan, a billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader, on Tuesday. He was 88.
Prince Karim passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, with his family by his side. He served as the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, leading a community that traces its lineage to Prophet Muhammad.
In 1957, at age 20, he assumed leadership from his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III. During his 68-year tenure, he focused on helping vulnerable populations worldwide through the Aga Khan Development Network.
His work emphasized Islam as a faith of compassion, tolerance, and human dignity. The Network's programs improved education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across many countries.
The organization plans to announce his successor shortly. In a statement, Network leaders pledged to continue their founder's mission of enhancing the quality of life for communities worldwide, regardless of religious beliefs or origins.
The Aga Khan's legacy spans more than six decades of international development work. His initiatives touched millions of lives through projects in healthcare, education, architecture, and cultural preservation.
This death marks the end of an era for the global Ismaili Muslim community and the broader world of humanitarian work. His passing leaves a profound impact on both spiritual and philanthropic spheres.
