Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist, Dies at 88

LISBON, Portugal — Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and one of the world’s wealthiest philanthropists, died Tuesday at the age of 88. His passing was announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) on social media, confirming he died peacefully in Lisbon surrounded by family.

The Aga Khan, a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, served as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, a role he inherited in 1957 at the age of 20. He was revered by his 12 million followers worldwide and was known for his extensive charitable work through the AKDN, which focuses on improving quality of life across the globe.

“His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family,” the AKDN statement read. “The announcement of his designated successor will follow.”

Born in Geneva in 1936, the Aga Khan spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before attending the Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland and graduating from Harvard University in 1959 with a degree in Islamic history. His leadership spanned nearly seven decades, during which he became a prominent figure in global philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation.

His Highness was also known for his passion for horse racing, owning notable racehorses such as Shergar, which was famously stolen in 1983 and never recovered. His wealth, estimated at $13.3 billion by Forbes, allowed him to maintain a lavish lifestyle, including a £100 million yacht named Alamshar.

The Aga Khan was married twice, first to British model Sally Croker-Poole in 1969, with whom he had three children. After their divorce, he married German pop singer Princess Gabrielle, who converted to Islam and took the name Inaara. The couple separated in 2004.

He is survived by his children Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad, as well as his brother Prince Amyn Muhammad, half-sister Princess Yasmin, and four grandchildren. His eldest son, Prince Rahim, is widely expected to succeed him as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community.

The Aga Khan’s legacy includes the establishment of the Aga Khan Development Network, which operates in over 30 countries, providing education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives. His work transcended religious and cultural boundaries, earning him global recognition and respect.

Leaders and staff of the AKDN expressed their condolences, stating, “As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins.”