Spiritual leader and philanthropist Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, head of the Ismaili community around the world, died Wednesday in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88.
“With deep sadness, Jamat is informed that our beloved 49. Hereditary Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, transferred peacefully to Almighty Allah’s grace on February 4, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family,” said an official statement released by society.
He was the 49th Imam from the Ismaili Society. According to tradition, his successor was named. The community leader had named his successor in his will, added the statement. His will is read in the presence of his family members and senior members in society.
His funeral beans will be offered in Lisbon, according to the statement. The time of funeral will be announced later, the statement says. He is survived by three sons and one daughter.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of Aga Khan Development Network.
Aga Khan became head of the Ismaili community on July 11, 1957 and succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, at the age of 20. Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah was the first president of the Pakistani Muslim league.
Ismailis lives in over 25 different countries, mainly in Middle and South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe, North America and Australia.
