Spiritual leader and philanthropist Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, leader of the Ismaili community around the world, passed away on Wednesday in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88.
“With profound sadness, the Jamat is informed that our beloved 49th hereditary Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, passed peacefully to Almighty Allah’s grace on 4 February 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family,” said an official statement released by the community.Â
He was the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community. According to tradition, his successor was named. The community leader had named his successor in his will, added the statement. His will will be read in the presence of his family members and senior members of the community.
His funeral prayers will be offered in Lisbon, according to the statement. Time of the funeral will be announced later, said the statement. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Aga Khan became the head of the Ismaili community on July 11, 1957, succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, at the age of 20. Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah was the first president of the Pakistan Muslim League.
The Ismailis live in over 25 different countries, mainly in Central and South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe, North America and Australia.
