Tue Feb 04 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismailis, Dies at 88

**Lisbon, Portugal** – Shah Karim al-Husayni, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims and known as Aga Khan IV, passed away in Lisbon at the age of 88, his spokesperson announced today. The Aga Khan, spiritual leader for nearly seven decades, was a globally influential figure known for his philanthropic work, vast wealth, and complex legacy.

His reign, spanning from 1957 to his death, witnessed the growth and expansion of Ismaili communities worldwide. A former Canadian ambassador, Arif Lalani, compared the Aga Khan’s impact and longevity to that of Queen Elizabeth II. His relationship with Canada was particularly strong, forged after Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s welcoming response to Ismaili refugees expelled from Uganda in 1972. This led to the establishment of the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, and the Aga Khan’s honorary Canadian citizenship. However, a family vacation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the Aga Khan’s private island in 2016 resulted in an ethics investigation.

Despite his immense personal wealth – reportedly in the billions – and opulent lifestyle, the Aga Khan defended his accumulation of assets, arguing it was how one used wealth that mattered, not its accumulation. His philanthropic efforts were largely funded by a unique Ismaili form of “zakat,” where followers donate a significant portion of their income. The Aga Khan Development Network, under his leadership, undertook numerous social, cultural, and educational projects across the globe.

Born in Geneva in 1936, the Aga Khan’s life was filled with both immense responsibility and personal drama. He was thrust into his role as Imam at just 20 years old while a Harvard student. His two marriages ended in divorce, garnering attention from the media. He also faced challenges in his business ventures, including the infamous abduction of his racehorse, Shergar.

Throughout his life, the Aga Khan received numerous honours and awards, including the Order of Canada and the Legion of Honour. His death marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community and leaves a lasting legacy of both philanthropy and controversy.

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