“The Aga Khan is the spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, a Shia Ismaili community within Islam. The title ‘Aga Khan’ was bestowed upon the leader by the Ismaili community. The current and 49th Imam, Prince Shah Karim al-Hussaini, succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, on July 11, 1957. Sadly, he passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 88, marking the end of an era for the Ismaili community.”
Biography of Aga Khan IV (Prince Shah Karim al-Hussaini)
Life and Education
Aga Khan IV, born Prince Shah Karim al-Hussaini on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Princess Tajuddawlah (Joan Yarde-Buller), who came from the British aristocracy. His lineage traces back to Prophet Muhammad through Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima, connecting him to a rich spiritual heritage.
The Aga Khan spent part of his childhood in Kenya before moving to Switzerland, where he attended the prestigious Institut Le Rosey. Later, he pursued his academic journey at Harvard University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Islamic history. His commitment to his studies set him apart, and his academic excellence helped shape his leadership in the Ismaili community.
Becoming the Imam (Aga Khan IV)
After the passing of his grandfather, Aga Khan III, on July 11, 1957, Shah Karim became the 49th Imam of the Ismailis at the age of 20. The belief at that time was that a younger leader would be better suited to guide the Ismaili community in the rapidly changing modern world. Shah Karim possessed all the qualities necessary to fulfill the role of the 49th Imam, as his grandfather had chosen him over his father and uncle.
Religious and Spiritual Leadership
Aga Khan IV is the Imam of the Ismailis. He leads more than 15 million Ismaili Muslims across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America and offers spiritual leadership to them. He had done a lot of work in his leadership like Human development, social fairness, and pluralism.
He urges Ismailis to take an active role in social, cultural, and economic advancement and highlights the value of intelligence and faith cooperating. By focusing more on secular and humanitarian development than many religious leaders do.
Development and Philanthropy
Aga Khan has made significant contributions to development and humanitarian causes. He has established organizations that tackle poverty, healthcare, education, and culture through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
1. Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
AKDN is one of the largest private development groups in the world. It employs more than 80,000 people and conducts business in more than 30 countries. It operates in domains like:
Education: Aga Khan Schools, Aga Khan Academies, and Aga Khan Universities have been established to provide quality education.
Healthcare: Management of medical schools, hospitals, and health facilities.
Economic development promotes job creation, supports microfinance, and encourage entrepreneurship.
Cultural Preservation: He has promoted Islamic architecture and renovated historical sites through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
2. Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)
In rural areas, AKF supports local development initiatives with an emphasis on agriculture, health, education, and poverty alleviation.
3. Aga Khan University (AKU)
AKU is a prestigious university that was founded in 1983 and has campuses in Pakistan, East Africa, and the UK. It offers courses in media studies, teacher education, nursing, and medicine.
4. Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
AKTC promotes Islamic architecture and seeks to restore cultural heritage. Numerous historic places have been restored by it, including, Humayun’s Tomb in India, Al-Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt and Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania.
5. The AKFED, or Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development
By funding initiatives in the banking, tourism, aviation, and telecommunications sectors, AKFED fosters economic growth. One of the most prominent hotel chains in Asia and Africa, Serena Hotels, is owned by the network.
Contributions to Education
Aga Khan IV has significantly improved education, especially in underdeveloped nations. His schools offer top-notch instruction with a focus on morality, service, and leadership. Among the major projects are:
Volunteering and International Acclaim
Aga Khan IV is well known for his work in education, cultural preservation, and humanitarian assistance. Among his honors are:The 2005 United Nations Humanitarian Award. Order of the British Empire (KBE) Knight Commander (2004). France’s Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. Canadian Honorary Citizenship (2010).
Personal Life
Princess Salimah Aga Khan (formerly known as Sarah Croker-Poole), a British model, was the first spouse of Aga Khan IV in 1969. Three children were born to them:
1. Rahim Aga Khan, Prince
2. Prince Aga Khan Hussain
3. Zahra Aga Khan, Princess
He wed Gabriele Renate Homey, who became Princess Inaara Aga Khan, following their 1995 divorce. Prior to their 2011 divorce, they had one son, Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan.
Aga Khan IV is known for leading a modest and private life despite his royal lineage. Despite his extensive art collection, private properties in France and Switzerland, and owns racehorses, his primary focus remains on development and philanthropy.
Influence on the Modern World
Aga Khan IV is a prominent religious leader known for prioritizing cultural preservation, economic development, and education over rigid religious orthodoxy. He advocates for tolerance, democracy, and pluralism in multicultural societies. Additionally, he enhances international humanitarian efforts by collaborating closely with governments and international institutions such as the UN, World Bank, and UNESCO.