
AKIPRESS.COM - His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV has died, the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat said.
The 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, has died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, aged 88.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, the fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam and the first Shia Imam. He was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, and grandson and successor as Imam of the late Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III.
Throughout his life, His Highness the Aga Khan IV emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind. His Highness dedicated his life to improving the living condition of his community and the peoples of the countries in which they live, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or religion.
The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat notes that the next spiritual leader has already been appointed.
The 50th Imam has been designated, and is to be announced following the reading of His Highness’s Will in the coming days.