The Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim al Hussaini, has passed away at the age of 88. He was the 49th hereditary leader of the Ismaili Shiite Muslims and a direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad. According to the foundation of the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, Prince Karim al Hussaini died peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, surrounded by his family. The cause of death has not been specified.
Response from the Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network posted a message on its social network X account announcing the death of Prince Karim al Hussaini. In the message, the network also stated that the name of the designated successor will be made public later. The network has expressed condolences to the family of the Prince and the Ismaili community worldwide, which has between 12 and 15 million members.
Ismaili Community and Ismailism
The Ismaili community is spread across more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Ismailism is a branch of Shiite Islam that recognizes only the first seven Shiite imams, and its followers are also known as septimans. In contrast, duodeciman chiism, which recognizes the twelve imams that followed the lineage of Ali, predominates in Iran.
The Aga Khan Development Network has stated that it will continue to work with its partners to improve the quality of life of people and communities worldwide, regardless of their affiliations or religious origins, as Prince Karim al Hussaini had desired. The network aims to finance development programs in Africa and Asia, honoring the legacy of its founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan.