Husseini, known as Aga Khan IV, passed away on February 4, 2025, at 88, after serving as the 49th imam of Nizari Ismaili Muslims for more than 67 years.

The Aga Khan IV was often referred to as a philanthropist, but the description ignores the spiritual impetus for his work.

Prince Karim later became widely recognised as Aga Khan IV, serving as the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi joined world leaders in mourning his passing.

The Aga Khan was given the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, two weeks after his grandfather the Aga Khan III unexpectedly made him heir to the family’s 1,300-year dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect.

The Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the world’s Shi’ite Ismaili Muslims, has died at the age of 88. The wealthy imam, who promoted a moderate form of Islam, has also been known for his multimillion-dollar development projects that have benefited communities throughout Asia and Africa.

The death of the Aga Khan, who was the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, struck a deep chord with Houston’s Ismaili Muslim community

The late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died on Tuesday in Lisbon after nearly seven decades as the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community, will be buried in Egypt on Sunday,

Rahim Al-Hussaini was named Wednesday as the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father.

By Bruce Pannier Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of some 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide, died in Portugal on February 4 aged 88. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced the passing of the “49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad” on their website.