Funeral services for Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community, were held on February 8, 2025, amid tributes from dignitaries and community members who remembered his remarkable contributions to society. The prince passed away at the age of 88, and his burial is set for February 9, 2025, in his hometown of Ashwan, Egypt.
The service took place at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, Portugal, where mourners gathered to pay their respects to one of the world's most notable philanthropic leaders. Among them was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who not only honored the late Imam himself but also unveiled the depth of their friendship by acknowledging him as a dear family friend. "He was not just any leader; he was a friend to all Canadians and everyone dreaming of a more peaceful world," Trudeau reflected.
Attending the funeral on behalf of Pakistan was Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who conveyed the country’s condolences on behalf of the president and the prime minister. During his visit, he praised the significant role played by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and recalled the late leader’s close ties with Pakistan. Aurangzeb expressed how the Aga Khan's demise signals not just personal loss but also for the underprivileged across the globe, who greatly benefited from his charitable work.
The Pakistani government declared the day of the funeral as a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country. Similar sentiments were echoed by Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who visited the Ismaili Centre Dubai to mourn the passing of the prince, reflecting on his remarkable life and enduring legacy.
Born on December 13, 1936, Prince Karim, also known as Karim al-Husayn Shah, became the Imam at just 20 years old, succeeding his grandfather and taking the reins of the Ismaili community. His lifelong dedication to philanthropy saw him establishing numerous health, education, and agricultural projects across Asia and Africa, benefiting countless communities and offering much-needed resources to those in need.
Throughout his life, the Aga Khan emphasized the importance of improving quality of life and eradicative poverty. He noted how poverty creates fertile ground for extremism and violence. "Changing the basis of the quality of life and replacing despair with hope was my continuous objective," he often remarked during various announcements and speeches. His works sought to assist not only Ismailis but anyone facing hardship.
The immeasurable influence of Aga Khan IV extended to cultural initiatives and the promotion of pluralism on a global scale. His multi-pronged approach involved collaborating with governments and local entities, ensuring projects were sustainable and impactful. For his efforts, the Aga Khan received numerous accolades, including Nishan-I-Imtiaz and Nishan-I-Pakistan from Pakistan.
His legacies, like the Global Centre for Pluralism established in Ottawa and the Islamic arts museum opened in Toronto—the first of its kind—highlight his dedication to fostering dialogue between cultures and communities.
Despite the enormous wealth he controlled, which was estimated to be between $800 million and several billion dollars, Aga Khan IV believed strongly in living humbly and had often rejected any characterization of himself as leading a lavish lifestyle. His family, including his three sons and one daughter, firmly stand by the values he espoused.
Following his death, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili community, signaling the continuation of the lineage's legacy. The Ismaili community currently numbers between 2.5 million and 15 million worldwide, with the largest population residing in Tajikistan.
With his remarkable life concluding, tributes from various leaders and communities have flowed globally, praising not just the leader he was but the humanitarian spirit he embodied. Ambassador Tirmizi highlighted the community bond and the Aga Khan's remarkable contributions to social development efforts across Pakistan, remarking upon the special connection between him and the nation.
Aga Khan IV's commitment to humanitarianism will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, ensuring his legacy of compassion and service to humanity lives on.