JUST IN: Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader Of Ismaili Muslims, Dies At 88

Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88
Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88
The Aga Khan IV Was A Philanthropist, Billionaire, and Visionary Leader Who Blended Faith, Business, and Humanitarian Efforts to Transform Lives

The Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims and a visionary philanthropist, passed away on Tuesday in Lisbon at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the Aga Khan Development Network in a statement on X, though no cause was provided.

A global figure known for blending faith, entrepreneurship, and charity, the Aga Khan led a community of 15 million Ismaili Muslims across 35 countries. He inherited the title in 1957 from his grandfather, Aga Khan III, who bypassed other heirs to name him as his successor.

A Life of Wealth, Faith, and Service

Unlike traditional monarchs, the Aga Khan had no kingdom, but his influence was immense. His fortune—estimated between $1 billion and $13 billion—came from investments in luxury hotels, airlines, media ventures, and a form of religious tithe, zakat, contributed by his followers.

Despite his wealth, he saw no conflict between his fortune and his faith-driven mission.
Despite his wealth, he saw no conflict between his fortune and his faith-driven mission.

Despite his wealth, he saw no conflict between his fortune and his faith-driven mission.

“The role and responsibility of an imam is both to interpret the faith to the community and also to do all within his means to improve the quality, and security, of their daily lives,”

he stated in 2006.

His development initiatives spanned healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation, with the Aga Khan Development Network playing a major role in improving lives across Africa, Asia, and beyond. He also had a passion for horse breeding and luxury real estate, famously developing Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda resort.

A Leader Who Redefined Modern Islamic Leadership

Known for his cosmopolitan lifestyle, the Aga Khan traveled the world in private jets, owned a private island in the Caribbean, and resided in multiple homes, including Aiglemont, his vast French estate that doubled as his development headquarters.

Rejecting the notion that religious leaders should be detached from worldly affairs, he believed an imam should actively uplift his followers.

“The divide between faith and world is foreign to Islam,” he once said.

His passing marks the end of an era for Ismaili Muslims, who looked to him as both a spiritual guide and a leader dedicated to progress. His successor is yet to be announced.


Copyright 2024 REPORT AFRIQUE (RA). Permission to use portions of this article is granted provided appropriate credits are given to www.reportafrique.com and other relevant sources.This Article is Fact-Checked. See Policy.
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