President William Ruto and world leaders have mourned the death of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, who died at 88.
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV died in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 4, surrounded by his family.
In his condolence message, Dr Ruto on Wednesday said the world had lost “an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable — through his charities in hospitals and schools”.
“We are saddened by the passing of The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims… Our thoughts are with the family of His Highness and the wider Ismaili community,” Dr Ruto said in a post on X.
The Aga Khan, founder of Aga Khan Development Network, gives a speech at the 2017 Asia Game Changer Awards and Gala Dinner in Manhattan, New York, US November 1, 2017.
Photo credit: Reuters
UN Secretary-General António Guterres remembered Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV as “ a global spiritual leader, philanthropist, and advocate for peace, development, and pluralism”.
“For decades, the Aga Khan dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for millions around the world, particularly in the most vulnerable communities, through his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, education, and cultural preservation,” Guterres said through his Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
“The Aga Khan’s leadership extended beyond his role as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was a bridge-builder between cultures and faiths, promoting mutual understanding and respect in an increasingly interconnected world. His efforts to address poverty, advance gender equality, and foster sustainable development have left an indelible mark on the global community.”
He said the United Nations recognises The Aga Khan’s invaluable contributions to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and his partnership with the UN in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
“The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the Aga Khan’s family, the Ismaili community, and all those who were touched by his vision, compassion, and leadership.”
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R) talks to the Aga Khan at the 'Afghanistan: The London Conference' in central London, January 28, 2010.
Photo credit: Reuters
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said The Aga Khan devoted his life to peace and prosperity for all.
“He worked across continents and cultures to resolve the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty, education, and gender inequality. He was an extraordinary man of vision, faith, and generosity, and I know his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched,” he said.
“Following the news of his passing, my family and I send our condolences to His Highness’ family, his many friends, and to all Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world who are mourning this loss.”
Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network, a network of private, non-denominational development agencies founded by The Aga Khan, condoled with the family and 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,” the network said in a statement on X.
The Aga Khan (L), spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger talk in Santa Monica, California, April 14, 2008.
Photo credit: Reuters
The Aga Khan University, established by The Aga Khan IV as part of the AKDN in 1983, honoured the founder as a visionary leader.
“The faculty, staff, students and volunteers of the Aga Khan University offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we pay tribute to the legacy of our beloved Founder and Chancellor, we continue to work to bring His Highness’ vision to life”.
Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu also condoled with The Aga Khan family describing the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network as a great and visionary leader whose work “touched and changed the lives of millions of people around the world”.
“On behalf of the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish to convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to His Highness’s family, the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili Muslims Community,” she said.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness on receiving news of the passing of Prince Aga Khan IV, and praised him for his lifetime dedication to rural development and women empowerment.
“I will always cherish my interactions with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world,” PM Modi posted on X where he also shared photos of him and the deceased on different occasions.
Though not publicly announced, the BBC has reported that King of the United Kingdom, King Charles III was “deeply saddened by the death of the philanthropist, who was a friend of both himself and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and is in touch with the family privately”.
It is important to note that Aga Khan IV was Treated as a head of state, and was given the title of “His Highness” by the late Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, two weeks after his grandfather, The Aga Khan III, unexpectedly made him heir to the family’s 1,300-year dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslims.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying The Aga Khan IV was not only a spiritual leader but also a statesman, visionary and philanthropist, who stood out as a unifying figure in a fragmented world.
“His life was marked by service to humanity, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or religion. His enduring legacy of philanthropy will continue to inspire generations…Aga Khan IV was a beacon of hope for the underprivileged and vulnerable everywhere. His vision led to remarkable achievements in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation,” the ministry said.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir also took to his Instagram account to send his condolence message to The Aga Khan’s family and described the deceased leader as a champion of human development, particularly the sectors of education, healthcare and economic empowerment across the world.
“His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Ismaili community during this difficult time,” he said.
