Wed Feb 05 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist, Dies at 88

**Lisbon, Portugal** – Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims and a renowned philanthropist, has passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family. The Aga Khan Development Network, his charitable organization, made the announcement on social media.

The Aga Khan, who held British citizenship and resided in a French chateau, leaves behind a legacy of extensive charitable work through the Aga Khan Development Network. This network operates hundreds of hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural projects across the developing world. His contributions extended to numerous other fields, including horse racing, where he was a leading owner and breeder, most famously of Shergar, a Derby-winning racehorse.

Beyond philanthropy, the Aga Khan was a significant figure in the business world, with an estimated fortune of $1 billion in 2008. His business interests contributed to his inherited wealth and fuelled his philanthropic endeavors. He founded organizations such as the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, responsible for the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, and established the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. He also founded the Nation Media Group, a leading independent media organization in East and Central Africa.

King Charles III, a close personal friend of the Aga Khan, is understood to be deeply saddened by the news. The Aga Khan’s influence extended globally, with the Ismaili Muslim community, numbering approximately 15 million worldwide, mourning his passing. His death marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community and the world of philanthropy. The Aga Khan Development Network stated it will continue its work, carrying on the Aga Khan’s commitment to improving lives globally, regardless of religious affiliation or origin.

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