His Highness the Aga Khan IV, leader of Ismaili muslims, dies at 88

His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of Aga Khan Development Network, is dead.

Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV died in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 4, surrounded by his family.

The 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims is to be announced after Aga Khan’s Will is read in the coming days, according to an official statement.

A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan is well known globally for his philanthropic works aimed at improving people’s lives.

“Through out his life, His Highness the Aga Khan V emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind,” an official statement released from Portugal said.

Born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, to Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller, Karim, he spent his early childhood in Nairobi. His attachment to East Africa saw the Aga Khan establish highly impactful institutions in the region over the years.

His education later took him to Switzerland, where he attended the prestigious Le Rosey School, before enrolling at Harvard University. At the time of his grandfather’s passing, Karim was deeply immersed in the study of Islamic history at Harvard.

As the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis, the young Karim had to set aside his ambitions of pursuing a doctorate in history at Harvard and his passion for soccer, as he became the spiritual leader of millions of Ismailis spread across India, Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Canada, and the former Soviet republics.

Though born into a lineage of leadership, he carried the mantle of the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims with grace and a profound sense of duty.

Yet, his vision extended far beyond religious guidance. His philanthropy reshaped landscapes, bridging cultures and fostering development in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.

Education, healthcare, and economic empowerment were the cornerstones of his life's work, each initiative reflecting his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge, compassion, and enterprise.

By the time of his passing, the Aga Khan’s legacy had become woven into the fabric of nations, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, where his name is etched into institutions that continue to uplift lives.

The Aga Khan Schools, The Aga Khan University Hospital, and its satellite facilities stand as testament to his commitment to excellence and service. Through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), he championed sustainable progress, always guided by his ethos: "AKFED does seek to generate profits, but they are entirely reinvested in future development initiatives."

Similarly, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) continues to embody his vision, making a significant impact across various sectors, including health, education, culture, rural development, and economic empowerment. Its influence in East Africa is evident through investments in Mwananchi Communications Limited's parent company, Nation Media Group Plc, as well as Industrial Promotion

Services (Kenya) Ltd, Allpack Industries Ltd, Farmer’s Choice Ltd, Premier Food Industries Ltd, and Tourism Promotion Services Eastern Africa Ltd, among others.

AKDN has also shaped communities across other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, fostering progress in some of the world’s most underserved regions.