Aga Khan IV, Influential Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88

"Aga Khan IV, Ismaili Muslim Leader, Dies at 88"

Aga Khan IV, leader of Ismaili Muslims and a wealthy philanthropist, died in Lisbon at 88, confirmed by his development network.

Alex Chen5 February 2025Last Update : 7 hours ago

The Aga Khan IV, Leader of the Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88

www.nytimes.com

The Aga Khan IV, the leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, passed away on February 5, 2025, in Lisbon at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the Aga Khan Development Network, although no cause was provided.

6 Key Takeaways

Aga Khan IV died at age 88.
Confirmed by Aga Khan Development Network.
Fused entrepreneurship with philanthropy.
Leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims.
Emphasized faith's role in everyday life.
Initiatives included health and luxury projects.

Born Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan was known for merging entrepreneurship with philanthropy, significantly impacting the lives of Ismaili Muslims, a sect of Shiite Islam with a global following of 15 million.

Fast Answer: The Aga Khan IV died in Lisbon on February 5, 2025, at 88. Known for his philanthropic efforts and leadership of Ismaili Muslims, he emphasized the integration of faith and daily life, impacting communities worldwide.

The Aga Khan IV was a prominent figure in both religious and secular spheres. His leadership spanned decades, during which he focused on improving the quality of life for Ismaili Muslims and other communities through various initiatives. He believed that his success in business could enhance his charitable work, stating that an imam should engage with everyday life to protect and uplift his community.

His contributions included significant development projects, such as the upscale Costa Smeralda resort in Sardinia and health initiatives aimed at assisting the poor in developing nations. The Aga Khan Development Network, which he led, has been instrumental in promoting education, healthcare, and economic development across multiple countries.

Leader of Ismaili Muslims with a following of 15 million.
Established health initiatives for impoverished communities.
Developed luxury resorts and engaged in thoroughbred horse breeding.

Throughout his life, the Aga Khan emphasized the importance of blending faith with practical contributions to society. He viewed his role as a leader not only as a spiritual guide but also as a protector and enhancer of his community’s welfare. His legacy includes a commitment to philanthropy and a vision for a better quality of life for many.

Notice: Canadian readers may be interested to know that the Aga Khan has had a significant impact on various Canadian communities, particularly through the Aga Khan Foundation, which supports development projects and cultural initiatives across the country.

The Aga Khan IV’s passing marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community and highlights his lifelong dedication to philanthropy and leadership. His efforts have left a lasting imprint on many lives around the world.