Prince Aga Khan Passes Away at 88: Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Khoja Community Bids Farewell in Portugal

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Khoja community, has passed away at the age of 88. According to an official statement, he took his last breath on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has expressed deep sorrow over his demise, stating that his loss is not only significant for his family but also for the worldwide Ismaili community. The statement further mentioned that the announcement regarding his successor will be made at an appropriate time.

Mourning in the Khoja Community

Rashmin Halani, a prominent leader of the Khoja community in Surat, expressed his grief, saying, “We received the heartbreaking news of our spiritual leader’s passing this morning. It is not just our family but millions around the world who are mourning this great loss. He dedicated his life to the upliftment of society, especially helping the underprivileged. He was always engaged in charitable activities and continuously guided millions of followers. His contributions to the world remain unparalleled, and it is hard to believe that he is no longer among us.”

A Leader from a Young Age

Prince Karim Aga Khan became the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Khoja community at the young age of 20. His grandfather, Aga Khan III, altered the traditional succession plan to appoint him as his heir. On July 11, 1957, he was officially declared the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community.

A Global Philanthropist and Social Reformer

Beyond leading the Ismaili community, Aga Khan played a crucial role in improving healthcare, education, and housing in developing nations. Through the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan Development Network, he established numerous hospitals, schools, and development projects aimed at empowering communities globally.

A Bridge Between the Khoja Community and the Western World

Prince Aga Khan was known for preserving Islamic values and culture. Despite staying away from politics, he acted as a bridge between the Khoja community and Western nations, encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding.

Wealth and the Support of the Ismaili Community

It is estimated that Prince Aga Khan’s personal wealth amounted to billions of dollars. Followers of the Ismaili community traditionally donate a percentage of their income, which is used for development initiatives. He believed that accumulating wealth was not inherently wrong, but using it for social improvement aligned with Islamic ethics.

Personal Life and Legacy

Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Karim Aga Khan was the grandson of Sultan Muhammad Shah (Aga Khan III) and the son of Aly Khan. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.

The End of an Era for the Ismaili Community

For the Ismaili Khoja community, the passing of Prince Aga Khan marks the end of an era. The community has not lost a spiritual leader in the last 35 years, making his demise a profound loss. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.