Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passes away in Lisbon at 88
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on 4 February 2025, aged 88; PM Modi condoled his passing.
Summary
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on 4 February 2025, aged 88, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced. He had led the community for 67 years after succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, in 1957 at the age of 20, and founded the AKDN. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a visionary who dedicated his life to service and spirituality, citing his contributions in health, education, rural development and women's empowerment. In India he was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2015, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture restored Delhi's Humayun's Tomb complex. His son Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini was named Aga Khan V, the 50th Imam, the next day.
Key facts
- Died
- 4 February 2025, Lisbon, Portugal, aged 88
- Position
- 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims (1957–2025)
- Predecessor
- Grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III
- Founded
- Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
- Indian honour
- Padma Vibhushan, 2015
- India link
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture restored Humayun's Tomb complex, Delhi
- Successor
- Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, 50th Imam (named 5 February 2025)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away on 4 February 2025 in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Lisbon
The Aga Khan Development Network announced that Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on 4 February 2025, aged 88.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4 February 2025, was the founder of which network?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Aga Khan Development Network
Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which announced his death.
In which year was Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away in February 2025, conferred India's Padma Vibhushan?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2015
The Aga Khan was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, at a civil investiture ceremony in New Delhi in 2015.