Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, was laid to rest on February 9, 2025, in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. His burial took place near his grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Shah, and his grandmother, Om Habiba, as per his wishes outlined in his will. The ceremony followed a private funeral service held at the Ismaili community center in Lisbon, which saw attendance from prominent figures including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos, and Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
The Aga Khan IV, who passed away at the age of 88, was succeeded by his son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, now Aga Khan V. The announcement was made by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community. Born in Geneva in 1936, Prince Karim became the imam at the age of 21 after his grandfather unexpectedly named him heir. Over his lifetime, he evolved into a globally recognized philanthropist and business magnate, leading numerous development initiatives through AKDN.
King Charles expressed that he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Prince Karim, whom he considered a personal friend for many years. The Aga Khan had also been close to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and it is understood that King Charles had been in private contact with the Aga Khan’s family following his passing. The Aga Khan had met the then-Prince of Wales in 2010 during a visit to the Ismaili Centre in London, marking the center’s 25th anniversary.
The Aga Khan IV was known for his efforts to bridge Muslim societies with the West, emphasizing Islamic cultural values while promoting religious tolerance and economic development. Under his leadership, the AKDN expanded operations across more than 30 countries, focusing on health care, education, rural development, and microfinance. The organization, with an annual budget of around $1 billion, has played a pivotal role in improving the quality of life in some of the world’s poorest regions.
Mourners from around the world paid their respects, highlighting his contributions to both the Ismaili community and global humanitarian causes. His body was transported to Aswan, draped in a white shroud, and ceremonially placed on a yacht along the Nile River, reflecting his deep connection to the region.
The Aga Khan IV’s legacy extends beyond religious leadership. He was also recognized for his work in cultural preservation and economic development, advocating for community resilience against extremism through poverty alleviation. His leadership style blended spiritual guidance with pragmatic philanthropy, leaving a lasting impact on millions worldwide.
