Shia Ismailis are mourning the passing away of their spiritual leader, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, their 49th hereditary Imam.
The Aga Khan, as he was known, passed away on February 4 in Lisbon, Portugal, where he lived as a citizen. His passing was announced on Wednesday morning by his office, the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat. He was 88 years old.
The Ismailis get their name from their acceptance of Imam Ismail ibn Jafar as their Imam following disputes over succession to the post. They consider the Aga Khans as direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, the fourth Caliph of Islam and the first Shia Imam. He was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, and grandson and successor as Imam of the late Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III. He had superseded his father and uncle to succeed his grandfather as the hereditary leader of the community.
As a spiritual leader, the Aga Khan emphasised Islam as a thinking and spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance and upholds the dignity of humankind. He was also involved in projects encompassing a range of issues - from education to the conservation of Islamic architectural heritage. He was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group involved in philanthropic and development work across the globe.
In a statement, the Shia Ismaili community said that the Aga Khan dedicated his life to improving the living conditions of his community and the people of the countries where they live, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. He founded and guided one of the world's largest private international development organisations that serve communities in some of the world's most fragile and underdeveloped regions. He was respected globally as a statesman and defender of peace and human progress, the statement said.
He was also the founder of the Aga Khan Foundation charity, giving his name to institutions, including a university in Karachi, and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.The Aga Khan Trust for Culture helped the restoration of Humayun's tomb in Delhi.
An annual Aga Khan Award for Architecture is named after him.He also founded the Nation Media Group, an independent media organisation. Apart from his roles as a spiritual leader and philanthropist, he was also a member of the social elite. The Shia Ismaili community in Mumbai said that they are waiting for information about the funeral arrangements.
"In all probability, the funeral will be held in Portugal. but we are yet to be told about the details," said Sophia Premji, a member of the Mumbai community.
The Aga Khan has four children, including three sons. The community said that his heir, the 50th Imam has been designated, and the name will be announced following the reading of his will in the coming days.
