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

**Lisbon, Portugal** – Prince Karim al-Hussaini, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and internationally renowned philanthropist known as the Aga Khan IV, passed away on Tuesday in Portugal at the age of 88, surrounded by his family. The Aga Khan Foundation and the Ismaili community confirmed his death in online statements, announcing that information regarding his successor will be released at a later date.

The Aga Khan, a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, assumed his spiritual leadership at just 20 years old while still an undergraduate at Harvard University. His grandfather, the Aga Khan III, unexpectedly bypassed his son (the Aga Khan’s father) in favor of the younger man, believing the community needed a leader “brought up in the midst of the new age.”

Over his decades-long reign, the Aga Khan cultivated a vast business empire, fueled in part by tithes from his millions of followers. However, he dedicated a significant portion of his considerable wealth – estimated to be in the billions – to philanthropic endeavors. The Aga Khan Development Network, his primary charitable organization, focused on improving healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development in some of the world’s poorest countries. Numerous hospitals bearing his name stand as testaments to his commitment, particularly in regions such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Tajikistan, where he invested tens of millions of dollars in local economies.

Beyond his philanthropic work, the Aga Khan was a respected figurehead, treated as a head of state and granted the title “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. He was a champion of Islamic culture and values, recognized for his efforts to build bridges between Muslim communities and the West. His passion for architecture led to the establishment of an architectural prize and the development of Islamic architecture programs at prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard. He was also a noted restorer of ancient Islamic structures across the globe.

The Aga Khan’s legacy extends beyond his material contributions. His philosophy, as expressed in a 2012 interview with Vanity Fair, centered on the Islamic ethic of social responsibility for those blessed with wealth and privilege. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.

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