Billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader Aga Khan has died at the age of 88, his charity the Aga Khan Development Network has announced.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who trace his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad.
He “passed away peacefully” in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family, his charity said in a statement on social media.
Born in Switzerland, he had British citizenship and lived in a chateau in France.
The Aga Khan’s charities ran hundreds of hospitals, educational and cultural projects, largely in the developing world.
Some of the notable institutions in Kenya include Nation Media Group , Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Hospitals, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Jubilee Insurance, and the Aga Khan primary and secondary schools.
The Aga Khan Development Network said it offered its “condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide”.
“We continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins,” it added.
The Ismailis, a Muslim sect, have a worldwide population of about 15 million, including 500,000 in Pakistan. There are also large populations in India, Afghanistan and Africa.
Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.
The prince had an estimated fortune of $1bn (£801m) in 2008, according to Forbes magazine. His inherited wealth was boosted by numerous business interests, including horse-breeding.
He became a leading owner and breeder of race horses in the UK, France and Ireland, breeding Shergar, once the most famous and most valuable racehorse in the world.
Tributes
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: ‘I am deeply saddened by the news that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, has passed away.
“He was a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world. I express my deepest condolences to His Highness’s family and the Ismaili community.’
He added that the United Nations recognised the Aga Khan’s invaluable contributions to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and his partnership with the UN in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“The Aga Khan’s leadership extended beyond his role as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was a bridge-builder between cultures and faiths, promoting mutual understanding and respect in an increasingly interconnected world. His efforts to address poverty, advance gender equality, and foster sustainable development have left an indelible mark on the global community” he said.
His eldest son Prince Rahim, 53, is expected to be his official successor.
SOURCE: Agencies
