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Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88 in Lisbon

4 feb: Aga Khan IV, the revered spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community for nearly seven decades, has passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, according to a statement from his spokesperson, Fayyaz Nurmohamed. His leadership combined moral guidance, extensive philanthropy, and substantial wealth, making him one of the most influential global figures of his time.

A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy

Born Shah Karim al-Husayni on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Aga Khan IV became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather. His sudden transition from a Harvard undergraduate to a global spiritual leader shaped a remarkable journey that saw him champion humanitarian, educational, and cultural initiatives worldwide.

Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) played a crucial role in supporting health, education, economic development, and cultural projects across multiple countries, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and Central Asia. He also emphasized the importance of pluralism, establishing institutions like the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.

A Strong Connection with Canada

The Aga Khan maintained a special relationship with Canada, beginning in 1972 when Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau welcomed over 6,000 Ismaili refugees from Uganda after their expulsion by dictator Idi Amin. Today, Canada is home to over 80,000 Ismailis, including prominent leaders in politics, business, and community service.

In recognition of his contributions, he became an honorary Canadian citizen in 2010 and was an honorary pallbearer at Pierre Trudeau’s funeral in 2000. He also played a key role in securing a $30 million Canadian grant for the Global Centre for Pluralism and worked closely with various Canadian prime ministers, including Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau.

However, his ties with Canada were not without controversy. In 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced an ethics violation for accepting a vacation on the Aga Khan’s private island in the Bahamas, which led to an official reprimand from the Ethics Commissioner.

A Life of Wealth and Influence

The Aga Khan was not only a spiritual leader but also a statesman and businessman. His personal wealth, estimated in the billions, funded his philanthropic initiatives as well as his interests in horse racing, luxury hotels, and telecommunications. His Aga Khan Studs stable was among the world’s most renowned thoroughbred breeding operations, though he famously suffered the loss of his champion racehorse Shergar, which was abducted in 1983 and never recovered.

Despite his vast fortune, he defended his lifestyle, stating that Islam does not separate spiritual and material responsibilities. He emphasized that wealth should be used responsibly and effectively, often referencing the Islamic principle of “zakat”, where Ismailis contribute 10-15% of their income to community welfare projects.

Personal Life and Succession

Aga Khan IV’s personal life often made headlines. He married twice—first to Sarah Croker Poole (Princess Salima) in 1969, with whom he had three children before divorcing in 1995, and later to Princess Gabriele zu Leiningen, whom he divorced in 2014 after a high-profile legal battle.

He is survived by his children Zahra, Rahim, Hussain, and Aly Muhammad, four grandchildren, his younger brother Prince Amyn Muhammad, and half-sister Princess Yasmin.

With his passing, attention now turns to the future leadership of the Ismaili community. His eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, is widely expected to succeed him as the 50th Imam.

A Lasting Impact

The Aga Khan’s legacy is deeply rooted in his commitment to education, pluralism, and humanitarianism. His influence extended beyond religious leadership, shaping global development policies, fostering cultural exchanges, and strengthening diplomatic ties.

As the Ismaili community mourns their leader, world leaders and dignitaries have begun paying tribute to a man who seamlessly blended faith, philanthropy, and progress, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

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