PRINCE Karim Al-Hussaini, known as Aga Khan IV, has passed away at the age of 88. He was a well-known spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims and a prominent figure in philanthropy and business.

A statement issued by the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat stated that Aga Khan IV, the 49th Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal on February 4, surrounded by his family.

Prince Karim Aga Khan was a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, the fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam and the first Shia Imam. Born to Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.

For 67 years, His Highness provided spiritual guidance and dedicated his life to the well-being of over 15 million Ismailis across more than 25 countries. He was a global humanitarian and visionary leader who emphasized Islam as a faith of reason, compassion, and dignity, advocating for peace, pluralism, and human development.

As Founder and Chairman of AKDN, he established one of the world’s largest private international development organizations, focusing on healthcare, education, cultural restoration, and economic development in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. His vision extended beyond the Ismaili community, benefiting millions regardless of race, ethnicity, or faith.

His contributions to Tanzania span more than a century, beginning with Aga Khan III’s establishment of the first Aga Khan Girls’ School in Zanzibar in the early 20th century. 

In 1991, the Government of Tanzania and AKDN signed an Agreement of Cooperation, strengthening socio-economic development efforts. Over the years, AKDN has expanded its impact through:

In healthcare: Operating hospitals and clinics in Tanzania for over 50 years. In 2019, the Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam was expanded, improving healthcare services.

In education , the Madrasa Early Childhood Programme in Zanzibar has supported over 10,000 children, and the Aga Khan University has graduated 750 nurses, strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare sector.

In cultural development, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has restored 11 historical buildings in Stone Town, Zanzibar, including Forodhani Park, the Old Dispensary, and the Old Customs House.

Through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, AKDN has also ivested in financial services, tourism, media, and manufacturing, creating employment and fostering economic growth.

The 50th hereditary Imam has been designated and will be announced following the reading of His Highness’s Will in the coming days. Funeral arrangements will be communicated shortly.

His passing marks the end of an era of unparalleled leadership and service, leaving behind a rich legacy of humanitarianism and development that will continue to inspire generations to come.