His Highness the Aga Khan IV: End of an era

According to the Ismaili community’s website, the successor is chosen from among his male progeny or other relatives.

A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan was globally recognized for his tireless philanthropy and his commitment to improving lives irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Over the years, as he combined philanthropy and business, the Aga Khan became more than a religious leader. He became a statesman without borders, a patron of culture, an advocate for education, and a steward of sustainable development. His vision not only reshaped communities across the globe, particularly in Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia, where his network of schools, hospitals, and economic projects uplifted countless lives but was given head-of-state treatment in the nations he visited.

Throughout his life, Aga Khan IV championed the belief that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion, tolerance, and the dignity of humankind. “He dedicated his life to the principle that faith must inspire progress, that knowledge must serve humanity, and that prosperity must be shared,” read an official statement released from Portugal following his death.

Born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, to Prince Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller, Prince Karim spent his early years in Nairobi during the turbulent years of World War II. His time in Kenya nurtured his deep connection to East Africa, a region that would later become a key pillar of his development initiatives. Educated at the prestigious Le Rosey School in Switzerland, he later attended Harvard University, where he immersed himself in the study of Islamic history and hoped to achieve a doctorate.

In 1957, fate intervened. His grandfather, Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan III, passed away, and the responsibility of leading the Ismaili community fell on his shoulders at the young age of 20, rather than his father. The transition was profound. He set aside his ambitions of pursuing a doctorate in history and his passion for soccer to take on the spiritual and administrative leadership of a global community.

For more than six decades, the Aga Khan transformed his leadership into a mission of service. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his brainchild, became one of the world’s largest private development agencies, operating in more than 30 countries. His initiatives ranged from world-class hospitals and universities to cultural restoration projects, economic ventures, and environmental conservation efforts. His commitment to pluralism and social harmony earned him recognition from world leaders, and his influence extended beyond the Ismaili community to the broader global stage.

His legacy in Africa remains particularly profound. From the establishment of the Aga Khan University in Nairobi, Kenya, to the revitalization of historic cities such as Zanzibar’s Stone Town, his projects underscored his belief that development must be holistic—incorporating education, health, culture, and economic empowerment.

Though born into a lineage of leadership, the Aga Khan carried the mantle of the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims with grace and a profound sense of duty, with his vision extending far beyond religious guidance. His philanthropy reshaped landscapes, bridging cultures and fostering development in some of the world's most vulnerable regions. Education, healthcare, and economic empowerment were the cornerstones of his life's work, each initiative reflecting his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge, compassion, and enterprise.

By the time of his death in Lisbon, the Aga Khan’s legacy had become woven into the fabric of nations, particularly in Kenya, where his name is etched into institutions that continue to uplift lives. The Aga Khan Schools, The Aga Khan University Hospital, and its satellite facilities stand as testaments to his commitment to excellence and service. Through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), he championed sustainable progress and once remarked that "AKFED does seek to generate profits, but they are entirely reinvested in future development initiatives."

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has over the years remained a beacon of his vision, playing a major role in sectors ranging from health, education, and culture to rural development and economic empowerment. Its presence in Kenya is deeply felt through investments in Nation Media Group Plc, Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Ltd, Allpack Industries Ltd, Farmer’s Choice Ltd, Premier Food Industries Ltd, and Tourism Promotion Services Eastern Africa Ltd, among others. AKDN has also shaped communities across other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, fostering progress in some of the world’s most underserved regions.

The Throne

The Aga Khan came to the throne through his grandfather’s goodwill, some 68 years ago. It all started on the early morning of July 11, 1957, when Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III passed away, just weeks shy of his 80th birthday. On the afternoon of July 12, the Aga Khan’s family gathered at the villa to hear the reading of his Will, which had been securely stored at Lloyd’s Bank in London. The Will would radically depart from tradition and revealed a decision that would not only shape the future of the Shia Muslim Ismaili community but the many spheres that the new Aga Khan touched.

Upon assuming leadership, he told the press: "I follow a very great man in very great responsibilities. In the last months, I had the honour of working closely with my grandfather and being guided by him. He expressly wished for me to benefit from the Begum’s extensive knowledge of the Ismaili community and their affairs."

This confluence of mentorship and academic rigour prepared the young Imam to embrace his role with a vision deeply rooted in tradition yet attuned to the evolving demands of modernity. By 1962, he had visited 17 countries, but what truly captured global attention was his daring six-day journey by jeep over treacherous mountain roads in Pakistan.

Love for Horses

While his family had a storied legacy as racehorse owners, Aga Khan IV initially did not inherit any of the prized stables. A spokeswoman once downplayed his interest in horse racing, calling it “the least of his priorities.”

Despite this, fate would eventually draw him into the racing world. After his father’s tragic death in a motor accident, Aga Khan IV inherited a portion of his thoroughbreds, setting the stage for his own influence in the sport. But it was in the charity works that Aga Khan became a global leader as he poured billions of dollars into service for humanity, building institutions that would better people’s lives.

Aga Khan is survived by three sons and a daughter. His burial will take place in Lisbon.