Prince Karim Aga Khan dies at 88, global Ismaili community mourns

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was officially confirmed on Tuesday.

Born Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, he was the 49th Aga Khan and the spiritual head of the Nizari Isma’ili sect. He assumed this role in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather. An announcement regarding his successor is expected in the coming days.

The Aga Khan Development Network released a statement expressing its condolences, stating that Prince Karim Aga Khan passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, surrounded by his family. The statement also highlighted his role as the founder and chairman of the organisation and assured that the name of his designated successor would be disclosed soon.

Prince Karim Aga Khan was widely recognised not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his extensive philanthropic efforts and vast wealth. He was one of the world’s richest men and was particularly well-known in the public sphere for his involvement in horse racing.

As a British citizen, he led a community of approximately 12 million Ismaili Muslims. His followers believe he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali. They regard him as ‘the bringer of life.’

Despite experiencing personal challenges, he remained highly esteemed for his significant charitable contributions. His leadership facilitated numerous global initiatives aimed at improving quality of life across various communities, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds.

The Aga Khan Development Network, in a social media announcement, reiterated its commitment to continuing his legacy of humanitarian work. The organisation extended condolences to his family and the worldwide Ismaili community, affirming its dedication to advancing development projects in line with his vision.

Prince Karim Aga Khan’s lineage traces back to Persia, though his ancestors migrated to India two centuries ago. He was born in Switzerland in 1936 and spent much of his later life in France, despite holding British citizenship. His final days were spent in Lisbon, Portugal.

He married British model Sally Croker-Poole in 1969, with whom he had three children: two sons and a daughter. Their marriage ended after 25 years. In 1998, he married Princess Gabrielle, a former German pop singer who converted to Islam and took the name Inaara. The couple had a son before separating after six years.

His immense wealth enabled him to own a luxurious £100 million yacht, Alamshar, and he was also the owner of the famed racehorse Shergar, which was stolen in Ireland in 1983 and never recovered.

He is survived by his children — Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad — as well as his brother Prince Amyn Muhammad, half-sister Princess Yasmin, and four grandchildren.

The Aga Khan was the son of Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller. He spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, and later attended Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland before earning a degree in Islamic history from Harvard University in 1959.