On Sunday, February 9, 2025, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and the 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. His passing was first announced on Tuesday by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community.
Prince Karim's legacy continues with his son, Rahim Al-Hussaini, who has been designated as the Aga Khan V, thus taking on the role of spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide, as per his father's wishes stated in his will. The funeral brought together dignitaries and notable figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos, and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who attended a private service at the Ismaili community center in Lisbon on Saturday before the burial.
The Aga Khan IV was regarded as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad by his followers and was treated with immense respect, akin to that of a head of state. The governor of Aswan welcomed the Aga Khan's family at the airport as they arrived for the burial. It was revealed by Maj. Gen. Ismail Kamal that Prince Karim had requested to be buried in Aswan, near the graves of his grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Shah, and his grandmother, Om Habiba.
During the burial, Ismaili mourners participated in a somber procession, carrying the body of Prince Karim, draped in a white shroud, as bells tolled in the background. The coffin was transported in a van and placed on a yacht on the Nile River, in a poignant tribute to the late imam.
Born in 1936, Prince Karim was bestowed the title "His Highness" by Queen Elizabeth II in July 1957, shortly after he was unexpectedly appointed as the heir to the Aga Khan III, thus inheriting the leadership of the Ismaili Muslim sect. Over the years, the Aga Khan transformed into a prominent business figure and philanthropist, adeptly balancing his spiritual duties with worldly responsibilities. He was renowned for advocating Islamic culture and values while fostering dialogue between Muslim communities and wider Western societies.
The Aga Khan Development Network, which he led, focused on critical areas including healthcare, education, housing, and rural economic development. Operating in over 30 countries, the organization managed an annual budget of approximately $1 billion for its nonprofit endeavors, effectively addressing socio-economic challenges in various regions.
With a rich historical presence across Iran, Syria, and South Asia, Ismailis have also settled in East Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and, more recently, in Europe, North America, and Australia. As believers, they uphold the duty of contributing up to 12.5% of their income to the Aga Khan, symbolizing their commitment and loyalty to their spiritual leader.
