Lisbon, Portugal – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community confirmed his passing in a statement, announcing that he died in Portugal surrounded by his family.
Prince Karim, who became the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20 while still a Harvard student, dedicated his life to philanthropy, humanitarian development, and cultural preservation. His successor will be revealed after his will is read in Lisbon, though no specific date has been announced.
A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
The Aga Khan succeeded to lead the Ismaili Muslim community in 1957 since Aga Khan III declared him as his successor during his birth year of 1936 in Switzerland. The Aga Khan stood out from many religious leaders because they saw him as both a global humanitarian figure and business visionary who merged religious leadership with social and economic advancement.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) developed into a multibillion-dollar philanthropic organization under his leadership which funded hospitals, schools, and housing projects in more than 30 countries throughout Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. The Aga Khan established leading educational and healthcare institutions including Aga Khan University in Pakistan as well as numerous hospitals throughout developing regions because of his dedication to both fields.
Building Bridges Between East and West
People recognized the Aga Khan for his role in promoting cultural and religious harmony as he frequently acted as a bridge between Muslim societies and Western nations. His international recognition for Islamic architectural preservation and cultural conservation led to the creation of the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
The Aga Khan with billions of dollars in wealth asserted that his riches benefited humanity. Millions of Ismaili followers internationally donate a percentage of their income to fund their leader’s charitable efforts.
Global Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
World leaders and international organizations have expressed their condolences after his passing. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada recognized him as “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader” while groups focused on humanitarian work acknowledged his lifelong commitment to social justice and development efforts.
The burial of the Aga Khan will take place in Lisbon but the official date of the funeral remains undisclosed. His three sons and daughter as well as multiple grandchildren survive him.
We will keep this story current by adding new information as it becomes available.