Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal. His death was confirmed by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) on social media platform X. As the head of a global community of 15 million Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the world’s religious and philanthropic circles.
Aga Khan was not only revered as a spiritual leader but also as a well-known figure in the world of horse racing, luxury living, and international development. His name became synonymous with success on the racetrack, particularly with his famous horse Shergar, who won multiple prestigious races before being mysteriously kidnapped in 1983. A multi-millionaire, possibly a billionaire, the Aga Khan enjoyed a lifestyle marked by private jets, a $200 million super-yacht, and a private island in the Bahamas. His wealth, accumulated through inheritance, horse breeding, tourism, and real estate investments, has been a subject of public fascination, with estimates ranging from $800 million to $13 billion.
However, his legacy is defined not just by wealth and prestige but by his tireless efforts to alleviate poverty and promote development across the globe. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, which he established in 1967, he directed millions of dollars towards building hospitals, schools, and providing electricity to impoverished communities in Africa and Asia. The AKDN employs 80,000 people worldwide and continues its work today. The Aga Khan’s philosophy was clear: “If you travel the developing world, you see poverty is the driver of tragic despair, and there is the possibility that any means out will be taken. By assisting the poor through business, we are developing protection against extremism,” he explained in a 2007 interview with The New York Times.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim Aga Khan spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before attending Le Rosey School in Switzerland. Later, he studied Islamic history at Harvard University. At the age of 20, he ascended to the position of imam following the death of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, who had handpicked him as his successor over his father, Prince Aly Khan. The Aga Khan’s role as the imam held immense significance, as Ismaili Muslims believed him to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and his daughter Fatima.
In addition to his religious duties, the Aga Khan was an avid racehorse owner, and his stables produced world-class winners such as Sea the Stars and Sinndar. His passion for the sport grew, and after a successful start, he became a prominent figure in the global horse-racing industry. Shergar, perhaps his most iconic horse, captured the public’s imagination when it was abducted, and despite a ransom demand, the horse was never found.
The Aga Khan’s private business ventures also spanned across various sectors, including banking, pharmaceuticals, and even fishnet manufacturing in Uganda. His investments were not merely driven by profit; he believed in bridging divides—between the material and the spiritual, the East and the West, and Muslims and non-Muslims. His impact extended beyond his own community, as he worked to improve the lives of the marginalized and the underserved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep sorrow over the Aga Khan’s passing, describing him as a visionary leader whose efforts transcended borders. “His contributions brought hope and progress to communities in need,” Sharif wrote on X. The Prime Minister acknowledged the Aga Khan’s relentless work in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality, highlighting his profound impact on countless lives across the globe.
As the Ismaili community mourns the loss of its spiritual guide, the AKDN has announced that the successor to Prince Karim Aga Khan will be revealed in due time. The Aga Khan’s passing leaves behind an indelible mark on both the spiritual and material worlds, having led a life devoted not only to faith but also to the betterment of humanity.