PRINCE Karim Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims , has died at 88.
The Aga Khan Development Network announced on its website that he passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4 surrounded by his family.
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, “following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV,” the website later announced on Wednesday.
“Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, 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 website states: “The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.”
The Aga Khan “dedicated his efforts to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations, while emphasising the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds human dignity.”
In recognition of his exceptional efforts and contributions to human development and improving the social condition of societies globally, the Aga Khan, over the last six decades, received numerous decorations, honorary degrees, and awards from institutions and nations across the world.
AKDN’s social development agencies include the Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Schools, the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat as well as two universities, the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture co-ordinates AKDN’s cultural activities, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Historic Cities Programme, Aga Khan Music Programme and Awards, Aga Khan Museum, and Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (at Harvard and MIT).
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is a development agency dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world, often in countries that lack sufficient foreign direct investment. AKFED reinvests profits in further development initiatives.
PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan. A celebrated leader, His Highness was an inspiration to many. He was also a dear friend to my father as well as to me and my family. In truth, he was a friend to all Canadians, and to everyone who dreams of a more peaceful world.
“His Highness dedicated his life to compassion and prosperity for all. Through his initiatives in education, health care, and economic development. Through his advocacy for building bridges between communities and helping those most marginalized, especially women and girls. Through his steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Respected and beloved internationally, His Highness was an honorary Canadian citizen and honorary Companion of the Order of Canada. His connection to our country will live on through the Global Centre for Pluralism, the charitable organization inspired by the Aga Khan’s efforts to build a better, kinder world. His Highness’ legacy will also live on through the Toronto-based Aga Khan Museum, North America’s first museum dedicated exclusively to Islamic arts.
“I join millions of Ismaili Muslims, including communities in Canada, to mourn his loss. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer our deepest condolences to the Aga Khan’s family and friends, and to followers of His Highness in Canada and around the world.”
