End of an Era: His Highness the Aga Khan IV, Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, Passes Away at 88
Lisbon (Portugal): The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat has solemnly announced the passing of His Highness Maulana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the global Ismaili Muslim community. He was 88 years old.
Ascending to the Imamat at just 20 years of age, His Highness dedicated over six decades to the spiritual and material upliftment of his community, and humanity at large.
As the Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)—one of the world’s largest and most influential private development organizations—he spearheaded transformative initiatives in education, healthcare, economic development, and cultural preservation. Under his visionary leadership, AKDN grew to employ over 80,000 people worldwide, striving to enhance the quality of life for millions, particularly in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
His passing marks the end of an era of remarkable leadership and humanitarian impact. Further details regarding succession and funeral arrangements will be shared through official announcements by the Diwan of the Imamat.
According to Shia Ismaili tradition, the succession of the Imam is determined through the process of Nuss (designation). The name of the new Hazar Imam (living Imam) will be formally announced after Maulana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini’s will is read to his close family members and leaders of the international Ismaili Jamat, as stated in the official press release.
