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 as Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, he served as the 49th Aga Khan and the spiritual leader of the Nizari Isma’ili sect. He assumed this role in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather. The announcement regarding his successor is expected in the near future.
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The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) issued a statement expressing sorrow, confirming that Prince Karim Aga Khan passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, with his family by his side. The statement emphasized his contributions as the founder and chairman of the organization and assured that his successor’s name would be revealed soon.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was highly regarded not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his extensive philanthropic work and immense wealth. Recognized as one of the richest men globally, he was also well known for his passion for horse racing.
Holding British citizenship, he led a community of around 12 million Ismaili Muslims. His followers believe he was a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Prophet’s (PBUH) daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, and they regarded him as “the bringer of life.”
Despite personal challenges, he was deeply respected for his vast charitable contributions. Under his leadership, several global initiatives were launched to improve the quality of life for communities, regardless of religious or cultural background.
The AKDN reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward his legacy of humanitarian efforts. In a social media post, the organization extended condolences to his family and the worldwide Ismaili community while pledging to continue its development projects in alignment with his vision.
His ancestry traces back to Persia, though his forefathers 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 nationality. His final days were spent in Lisbon, Portugal.
In 1969, he married British model Sally Croker-Poole, and they had three children—two sons and a daughter. Their marriage lasted 25 years before ending in divorce. In 1998, he married Princess Gabrielle, a former German pop singer who converted to Islam and adopted the name Inaara. The couple had a son but separated after six years.
With his vast wealth, he owned several luxury assets, including the £100 million yacht Alamshar. He was also the owner of the legendary racehorse Shergar, which was stolen in Ireland in 1983 and never found.
He is survived by his children—Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad—along with his brother Prince Amyn Muhammad, half-sister Princess Yasmin, and four grandchildren.
Son of Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, he spent his early years in Nairobi, Kenya, before pursuing education at Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland. He later graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a degree in Islamic history.
