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Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Passes Away at 88 in Lisbon

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community and a globally respected philanthropist, passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the foundation he established and led, confirmed the news on social media.

“The announcement of his designated successor will follow,” the statement added, referring to the upcoming transition in Ismaili leadership.

A Legacy of Leadership and Humanitarian Efforts

Born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, Prince Karim Aga Khan spent his early years in Kenya before moving to Switzerland, where he attended the prestigious Le Rosey School. He later pursued Islamic history at Harvard University.

In 1957, at just 20 years old, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as the leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. His father had been bypassed in the line of succession following his high-profile marriage to Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth.

Beyond his religious leadership, Prince Karim Aga Khan was widely recognized for his work in humanitarian and development efforts. He founded and led the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a global organization employing 96,000 people and supporting initiatives in healthcare, education, and economic development, particularly across Asia and Africa.

Tributes from Global Leaders

Following his passing, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described him as “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai also paid tribute, stating that his legacy would “live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world.”

A Passion for Thoroughbred Racing and Philanthropy

Aga Khan IV was not only known for his philanthropic work but also for his deep passion for horse racing. He continued his family’s legacy in breeding champion thoroughbreds and achieved significant success in the racing world. His stable produced legendary horses, including Sea the Stars, winner of the Epsom Derby and the 2,000 Guineas, and Sinndar, which won the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2000.

Perhaps the most famous of his horses was Shergar, who won multiple races before being kidnapped in 1983 from Ireland’s Ballymany stud farm—a mystery that remains unsolved.

Despite his deep involvement in horse racing, he remained committed to philanthropy, investing substantial portions of his wealth into development projects. He was honored with Canadian honorary citizenship in recognition of his contributions to global development and interfaith harmony.

A Life of Influence

Prince Karim Aga Khan was a citizen of Britain and Portugal, with Lisbon serving as the central hub of Ismaili leadership due to its significant community presence.

Throughout his life, he maintained a private yet influential presence on the global stage, combining religious leadership with business acumen and humanitarian work. His contributions to development, particularly in marginalized communities, have left a lasting impact worldwide.

As the Ismaili community and global leaders remember his legacy, the world now awaits the announcement of his successor, who will carry forward his vision of progress, unity, and philanthropy.

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