Prince Karim al-Hussaini, also known as the Aga Khan, has passed away at the age of 88 in Portugal, surrounded by his family. He became the leader of the Ismaili Muslims when he was just 20 years old and was one of the world’s wealthiest men.
The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was respected as a global leader and was given the title “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. His grandfather, Aga Khan III, unexpectedly chose him as the successor to the family’s 1,300-year-old dynasty.
Throughout his life, he used his fortune, estimated at over £1 billion, to support development projects worldwide. He was also a close friend of Queen Elizabeth II, sharing a love of horse racing with her.
The Aga Khan met the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2019 during an event in London, where they engaged with British-Pakistani business leaders, musicians, chefs, and artists.
Leaders from countries such as Pakistan, Canada, and Kenya have expressed their condolences following his death. His successor has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be a male member of his family.
There are about 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide, who have followed the Aga Khan’s leadership for over a thousand years.
