Prince Karim al-Hussaini, known globally as Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and a distinguished philanthropist, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Princess Taj-ud-Dawlah.
He spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before pursuing higher education at Harvard University. In 1957, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Aga Khan III, becoming the spiritual leader of approximately 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
Throughout his nearly seven-decade leadership, Aga Khan IV was renowned for his dedication to humanitarian causes. He established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the world’s largest private development organizations, which focuses on health, education, cultural preservation, and economic development in more than 30 countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Beyond his philanthropic work, Aga Khan IV was an influential figure in the equestrian world.
He was also a successful businessman, with investments spanning various sectors, including media and tourism. He founded the Nation Media Group, East Africa’s largest independent media organization, and held significant stakes in the Serena Hotels chain, promoting tourism in developing countries.
He is survived by his four children: Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad. The announcement of his successor is expected following the reading of his will.