The End of an Era: Aga Khan IV’s Legacy of Faith, Philanthropy, and Development
The Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims Worldwide Passes Away at 88 in Portugal.
A Life of Leadership and Service
The passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV on February 5, 2025, in Portugal marks the end of an era for the Ismaili Muslim community and the global landscape of philanthropy and development. Surrounded by family at the time of his passing, the Aga Khan IV served as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims for over six decades. His leadership extended beyond religious boundaries, influencing global development efforts that improved the lives of millions, irrespective of faith or nationality.
A Global Network of Influence
As the spiritual leader of approximately 15 million Ismaili Muslims spread across 35 countries, the Aga Khan IV played a unique role, blending religious guidance with social and economic development. His influence was not confined to his followers but extended to the wider world through his extensive humanitarian initiatives. Recognizing the interdependence of faith and material well-being, he led efforts to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and economic development.
A Complex Relationship with Iran
The relationship between Aga Khan IV and Iran evolved significantly before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Prior to the revolution, he maintained strong ties with the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who granted him the title "His Royal Highness" in 1959. Representing Iranian interests, the Aga Khan even competed in the 1964 Winter Olympics as an Iranian athlete, continuing a historical bond between the Pahlavi dynasty and Nizari Ismaili imams.
However, after the revolution, relations grew more complex. The Aga Khan acknowledged the powerful influence of Ayatollah Khomeini, stating that no Shia could remain unmoved by his speeches, while also attributing the revolution to economic mismanagement under the Shah. Despite the shifting political landscape, the Aga Khan remained engaged with Iran through humanitarian efforts, including a €400,000 contribution to earthquake relief in 2004. Though the scale of the Aga Khan Development Network's operations in Iran decreased after 1979, its presence persisted, reflecting his pragmatic approach to maintaining connections with different political regimes while prioritizing humanitarian and development work.
An Outpouring of Global Tributes
Leaders from across the world have expressed their condolences following the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, reflecting the immense respect he commanded. While no specific statements from Indian leaders were available till the publication of this article1, the overall global mourning underscores his far-reaching influence. Pakistan's media outlets, such as The Express Tribune, reported on the grief within the Ismaili community. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a long-time associate of the Aga Khan, paid tribute to him as "an extraordinarily compassionate global leader, a man of vision, of faith, and of incredible generosity." King Charles III of the United Kingdom described himself as "deeply saddened" by the loss of his "personal friend of many years." UN Secretary-General António Guterres honored the Aga Khan as "a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world." Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai also expressed her sorrow, emphasizing that his "legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world." These tributes highlight the Aga Khan's profound impact and the deep admiration he earned from leaders across continents.
Prime Minister Modi’s Tribute to Aga Khan IV
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has since expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter) following the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. Sharing archival photographs of their past meetings, PM Modi described the Aga Khan as a visionary leader devoted to service and spirituality. Acknowledging his immense contributions in health, education, rural development, and women's empowerment, Modi emphasized that his legacy would continue to inspire generations. Reflecting on his personal interactions with the Aga Khan, he remarked on the wisdom and dedication he witnessed firsthand. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Aga Khan’s family, as well as to the millions of his followers and admirers worldwide.
A Legacy of Succession and Responsibility
Aga Khan IV ascended to his role as Imam on July 11, 1957, succeeding his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III. At the time, he was a 20-year-old undergraduate at Harvard University. His grandfather had chosen to bypass his own son, Aly Khan, believing that his grandson, raised with a modern education and deep cultural awareness, would be better suited to lead the community into the contemporary era. Despite the sudden transition, Aga Khan IV returned to Harvard after 18 months to complete his degree, balancing academic life with his newfound global responsibilities.
Philanthropy on an Unprecedented Scale
Despite personal wealth estimates ranging from $800 million to $13 billion, the Aga Khan’s true impact was realized through his vast philanthropic empire—the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Employing approximately 96,000 people, AKDN operates in over 30 countries, with an annual budget of nearly $1 billion dedicated to nonprofit development initiatives. Its economic development arm, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, supports for-profit enterprises generating revenues of $4.5 billion as of 2019, ensuring long-term sustainability for its social programs.
His initiatives transformed marginalized communities worldwide, particularly through investments in education, rural development, and cultural preservation. From constructing schools and hospitals to funding microfinance projects, the Aga Khan's vision of development was holistic, emphasizing self-reliance and long-term impact.
Navigating Relations with Sunni-Majority Nations
The Aga Khan maintained diplomatic and strategic relationships with many Sunni-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia. Despite sectarian differences, his pragmatic approach fostered cooperation, notably in the critical minerals sector and other development projects. His commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural diplomacy ensured that his initiatives remained above political conflicts, allowing for partnerships with governments and institutions across religious divides.
Controversies and Criticisms
As with any influential figure, the Aga Khan faced his share of criticism. Some questioned his opulent lifestyle, pointing to his use of private jets, yachts, and luxury residences as inconsistent with his role as a spiritual leader. Others scrutinized his political entanglements, such as the 2017 ethics investigation into Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s acceptance of a vacation on the Aga Khan’s private island. Additionally, doctrinal differences led to criticism from conservative Muslim groups who viewed the Ismaili interpretation of Islam as unorthodox. Despite these critiques, his philanthropic impact remained undisputed.
India: A Key Chapter in His Legacy
India held a special place in the Aga Khan’s life and work, both historically and in contemporary development initiatives. The first Aga Khan settled in Mumbai in 1848, establishing deep roots in the country. Over the years, the Aga Khan IV reinforced these ties through numerous programs aimed at improving rural livelihoods, education, and cultural heritage preservation.
Rural Development: The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) operates across more than 3,255 villages in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, positively affecting the lives of over 3.5 million people. The initiative focuses on sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, and financial inclusion.
Cultural Conservation: The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has played a pivotal role in restoring India’s architectural heritage, most notably the Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi. These restoration projects blend historical preservation with community development, benefiting local artisans and economies.
Education and Healthcare: The Aga Khan Education Services run multiple schools across India, fostering high-quality education with a pluralistic approach. Additionally, the Aga Khan Health Services support hospitals and health initiatives, particularly in underserved regions.
India’s long-standing engagement with the Aga Khan’s institutions ensures that his legacy will continue to shape the country’s socio-economic landscape for years to come.
Aga Khan Palace, Pune: A Monument of History and Humanity
The Aga Khan Palace in Pune stands as an architectural and historical landmark deeply intertwined with India's freedom struggle. Built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III as a famine-relief initiative, the palace provided employment to thousands during a devastating drought. Beyond its humanitarian origins, the palace played a crucial role in India's independence movement, serving as the site where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai, and Sarojini Naidu were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement (1942–1944). Tragically, both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai passed away during their captivity, and their samadhis remain on the palace grounds as solemn tributes. Recognizing its historical significance, Aga Khan IV donated the palace to India in 1969 as a homage to Gandhi’s legacy. Today, it functions as a national memorial under the Gandhi National Memorial Society, housing a museum, artifacts, and exhibits that continue to educate visitors about India's fight for independence.
Succession and the Future of the Ismaili Community
The Aga Khan IV’s will contains the name of his successor, but it has not yet been made public. As per tradition, the will is to be read in the presence of his family and senior Ismaili religious leaders in Lisbon, Portugal, before the new Imam is formally announced. The process ensures continuity in spiritual leadership, maintaining the community’s stability and guiding it into the future. The successor will inherit not only the religious mantle but also the responsibility of overseeing one of the most extensive philanthropic and development networks in the world.
A Lasting Vision for the Future
The Aga Khan IV’s passing leaves behind a monumental legacy of faith-driven development and global philanthropy. While the world mourns the loss of an extraordinary leader, the institutions he built stand as enduring testaments to his vision of a more just, educated, and pluralistic society. His successor will face the challenge of continuing his work in an increasingly complex global environment, ensuring that the Ismaili community and its humanitarian efforts remain relevant and impactful in the years to come.
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