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The Aga Khan: Ismaili businessman, spiritual leader and philanthropist, dies at 88

His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away in Lisbon at the age of 88.

A direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Lisbon, (POR):- His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, is dead.

The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community confirmed that the Aga Khan died in Portugal surrounded by his family. He was aged 88.

“Through out his life, His Highness the Aga Khan V emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind,” an official statement released from Portugal read on Wednesday morning.

Considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was a student when his grandfather passed over his playboy father as his successor to lead the diaspora of Shia Ismaili Muslims, saying his followers should be led by a young man “who has been brought up in the midst of the new age.”

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Over decades, the Aga Khan evolved into a business magnate and a philanthropist, moving between the spiritual and the worldly with ease.

While his death was announced late in the day in Europe and the Middle East, ceremonies were already being held Tuesday in Ismaili communities in the U.S. Condolences poured in online from charity groups he supported, as well as the equestrian world, where he was a well-known figure.

“An extraordinarily compassionate global leader,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday, calling him a very good friend. “He will be deeply, deeply missed by people around the world.”

The Aga Khan was given the title of “His Highness” by 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 Muslim sect.

His successor was designated in his will, which will be read in the presence of his family and religious leaders in Lisbon before the name is made public, although a date has not been announced for this.

The successor, DailyExpress understands, is chosen from among his male progeny or other relatives, according to the Ismaili community’s website.

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