Photo Credit:BBC.COM
Prince Karim Aga Khan, the billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, has passed away at the age of 88, the Aga Khan Development Network announced. He died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family.
Born in Switzerland, Aga Khan held British citizenship and resided in France. As the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who trace their lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad, he succeeded his grandfather in 1957 at just 20 years old. His leadership spanned decades, marked by a deep commitment to humanitarian work through his extensive network of charities, which managed hospitals, educational institutions, and cultural projects globally.
The Aga Khan was known for his lavish lifestyle, owning a private island in the Bahamas, a super-yacht, and a private jet. Despite his wealth, his philanthropic contributions were immense. The Aga Khan Development Network continues to support communities worldwide, honoring his legacy beyond religious boundaries.
A close friend of King Charles III and the late Queen Elizabeth II, the King has expressed deep sadness over his passing and is privately in touch with the family.
The Aga Khan's fortune, estimated at $1 billion in 2008 by Forbes, was bolstered by diverse business interests, including horse breeding. A prominent figure in the racing world, he bred Shergar, one of the most famous racehorses, who won the 1981 Epsom Derby by an unprecedented 10 lengths. Although Shergar was kidnapped in 1983 and never recovered, the Aga Khan continued his passion for racing, securing further Derby wins with Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), Sinndar (2000), and Harzand (2016).
His philanthropic reach extended to founding the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan University in Karachi, and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard and MIT. His contributions to cultural heritage included the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and establishing the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Tributes have poured in globally. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed him as a "man of vision, faith, and generosity," while Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai praised his dedication to education, health, and development. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described him as a "symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion."
His legacy of humanitarianism and leadership continues to inspire millions around the world.
