Discover Aga Khan IV: Spiritual Leader and Philanthropist
Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, better known as Aga Khan IV, was the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Born in December 1936, Aga Khan IV holds the esteemed position as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through the Fatimid Caliphate, an Egypt-based dynasty that founded Cairo and ruled much of North Africa and the Middle East from the 10th to the 12th centuries. He died in Lisbon on February 4, 2025.
The Aga Khan title dates back to 1818 when Hassan Ali Shah, the 46th Ismaili Imam, was granted the honorary hereditary title by the Shah of Persia. In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the title “His Highness” upon him.
The Nizari Ismaili Faith and the Aga Khan’s Role
As the Imam of Nizari Ismailis, he was considered the spiritual leader of this branch of Shia Islam. He was believed to be a direct lineal descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad through Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law Ali, and Ali’s wife Fatima az-Zahra, Muhammad’s daughter from his first marriage.
In 1986, he ordained the current version of the Ismailia Constitution, an ecclesiastical decree affirming his “sole right to interpret the Qur’an and provide authoritative guidance on [all] matters of faith,” and formalizing his sole discretion, power, and authority within the Ismaili community.
Philanthropy and the Aga Khan Development Network
Aga Khan IV is the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work primarily in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. With an annual budget of approximately US$ 600 million, the AKDN focuses on education, health, culture, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development through public-private partnerships and global development initiatives.
Some of the key organizations under the AKDN umbrella include the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan University, AK Health Services, and the AK Trust for Culture. The AK Award for Architecture, an internationally recognized accolade, also falls under the AKDN’s purview.
Preserving Cultural Heritage and Promoting Pluralism
In addition to his work with the AKDN, he was a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue, pluralism, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, and UNESCO partnerships are some examples of his commitment to these values.
Personal Life and Net Worth
He was previously married to Inaara Aga Khan and Salimah Aga Khan and has four children: Rahim, Hussain, Zahra, and Prince Aly Muhammad. His estimated net worth was US$ 800 million, though some media outlets report higher figures.
He passed away in Lisbon on February 4, 2025.
Additional Resources
To learn more about AK IV and his work, please visit the following sources:
– www.akdn.org
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgaKhan
https://www.dailymail.co.uk//AgaKhan-purchase-private-island-Bahamas
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