The spiritual leader and philanthropic Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, head of the Ismaili community around the world, died Wednesday in Lisbon, Portugal. He was 88 years old.
“With Profound Sadness, The Jamat is informed that Our Beloved 49th Hereditary Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini, passed Peacefully to Almighty Allah’s Grace on 4 February 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, Surrounded by his family,” Said an Official the community.
It was the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community. According to tradition, his successor was appointed. The head of the community had appointed his successor to his will, added the declaration. His will will be read in the presence of family members and community members.
His funeral prayers will be offered in Lisbon, according to the declaration. The funeral time will be announced later, the statement said. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and president of the Aga Khan development network.
Aga Khan became the head of the Ismail community on July 11, 1957, succeeding 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 live in more than 25 different countries, mainly in Central and South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe, North America and Australia.
