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The Aga Khan, a revered spiritual leader, philanthropist, and businessman, passed away at the age of 88 on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal. His death was confirmed by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which described him as a "symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion." Born as Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, he led the Ismaili Muslim community for over six decades, succeeding his grandfather at just 20 years old.
Widely known for his immense contributions to global development and charitable causes, the Aga Khan championed education, health care, and cultural preservation. The AKDN, which he founded and chaired, operates in over 30 countries and manages an annual development budget of approximately $1 billion. Under his leadership, the network funded projects that significantly impacted rural development and education, including the Girls' Education Challenge in Afghanistan. In 2023 alone, the Aga Khan Foundation invested over £58 million in charitable initiatives.
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate and education activist, expressed her condolences on X, stating, "His legacy will continue through the incredible work he led." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the Aga Khan as a "bridge builder between Muslim societies and the West."
Throughout his life, the Aga Khan maintained strong ties with global leaders, including King Charles III, who was reportedly "deeply saddened" by his passing. His statesmanship extended to facilitating peace talks, notably contributing to the historic 1985 Geneva Summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Beyond philanthropy, the Aga Khan was a prominent figure in horse racing, owning one of France's largest breeding operations. He famously owned Shergar, the Epsom Derby-winning horse kidnapped by masked men in 1983, a mystery that remains unsolved. His passion for the sport underscored his multifaceted persona, which balanced religious leadership with a dynamic public life.
Despite his wealth—estimated in the billions—his personal life was often turbulent. He was married twice, first to British model Sally Croker-Poole and later to Princess Gabriele zu Leiningen. His eldest son, Prince Rahim, is widely expected to succeed him as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community.
The Aga Khan's legacy transcends material accomplishments. He is remembered for fostering unity among diverse communities and advocating for development without regard to religious affiliation. His work demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the betterment of humanity, a vision that continues through the AKDN.
