Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of Millions, Passes Away at 88

Lisbon, February 6 – Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims across 35 countries, has passed away at the age of 88. A statement from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) confirmed that he died peacefully in Lisbon on Tuesday.

"Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide," the statement read, adding that a designated successor would be announced in the coming days.

A Global Leader in Faith and Philanthropy

Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV took on the role of Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community at the age of 20 after his grandfather, Aga Khan III, bypassed his own son in the line of succession. Educated at Harvard University, he dedicated his life to philanthropy, development, and global humanitarian work.

With an estimated wealth of $13 billion, he invested in real estate, tourism, and horse breeding, while using his fortune to build hospitals, schools, and infrastructure in some of the world’s poorest regions. The Aga Khan Development Network, founded in 1967, continues to support millions worldwide through education, healthcare, and economic programs.

A Lasting Connection with Canada

Aga Khan IV shared a deep bond with Canada, especially after Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau welcomed thousands of Ismaili refugees expelled from Uganda in 1972. His relationship with the Trudeau family made headlines again in 2016 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced controversy over a vacation on the leader’s private Caribbean island.

On Tuesday, Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, calling Aga Khan IV an "extraordinarily compassionate global leader" and "a dear friend." He added, "His Highness will be deeply missed, particularly by the Ismaili community, which is grieving tonight."

A Legacy of Faith, Wealth, and Influence

Regarded as a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, the Aga Khan’s leadership was deeply rooted in Ismaili traditions. His title, derived from Persian and Turkish origins, was bestowed upon his ancestors by Persian emperors in the 1830s.

Beyond his philanthropy, Aga Khan IV was also a renowned racehorse owner, with one of his most famous horses, Shergar, mysteriously kidnapped in 1983. The case remains unsolved.

His passing marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community, which has not experienced such a loss for over a generation. As the world mourns, his extraordinary contributions to humanitarian work, culture, and global development will continue to shape lives for generations to come.