Thu Feb 06 06:38:21 UTC 2025: ## Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Millions, Dies at 88
**Mumbai, India –** Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal on Tuesday at the age of 88. His death has prompted widespread mourning among the estimated 15 million Shia Ismaili followers in 35 countries worldwide, including thousands in India.
Aga Khan IV, a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, was globally respected as a statesman and a champion of peace and human progress. Throughout his life, he emphasized Islam’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and human dignity, dedicating himself to improving living conditions for communities across the globe, regardless of background.
His legacy includes the Aga Khan Development Network, one of the world’s largest private international development organizations, serving some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. His contributions to India were significant, earning him the Padma Vibhushan award in 2015. These contributions are visible in projects ranging from the restoration of historical sites like Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutb Shahi Tomb to rural support initiatives empowering women across several Indian states. The Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad stands as a testament to his commitment to education.
Indian followers recalled his emphasis on community harmony and pluralism, advising them to engage even with those they disagreed with. His teachings, often drawing upon the wisdom of Hazrat Ali, inspired service to humanity far beyond his own community.
His son, Prince Rahim, has been named as his successor, inheriting the mantle of spiritual leadership for millions of Ismailis worldwide. The Ismaili Council for India expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Aga Khan IV’s emphasis on faith as a daily guiding principle and the vital importance of embracing diversity.
First Piper 