According to a statement from his charity, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the wealthy philanthropist and spiritual leader Aga Khan died at the age of 88. Surrounded by his family, Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who links his ancestry directly to the Prophet Muhammad, passed quietly in Lisbon, Portugal.
Beyond his capacity as a spiritual leader, the Aga Khan’s charity activities profoundly affect communities all around. Living in luxury, he owned a super-yacht, a private aircraft, and a Bahamas private island. Various commercial endeavors, including horse breeding, added to his riches; he also owned the venerable racehorse Shergar, which he raised in Ireland.
What part did the Aga Khan play in the Ismaili community?
At the tender age of twenty, Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as Imam in 1957. Leading the Ismaili community—which boasts a global population of over 15 million, including sizable numbers in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Africa—his direction gave Through his charitable activity, the Aga Khan Development Network, the Aga Khan committed his life to bettering the lot of his adherents as well as the larger world.
How Might the Aga Khan Support World Service?
Renowned for his charitable activities, the Aga Khan concentrated large sums of money toward cultural preservation, education, and healthcare. Mostly throughout the underdeveloped globe, the Aga Khan Development Network supports hundreds of hospitals, schools, and cultural initiatives. Emphasizing poverty reduction, gender equality, and healthcare, his work has affected millions of individuals regardless of their religious background.
Key educational and cultural institutions like colleges and architectural programs were created thanks in great part to the Aga Khan Foundation, a cause near his heart. Recognizing major contributions to the built environment, he founded the esteemed Aga Khan Award for Architecture and helped to restore historical landmarks including Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.
“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, so offering condolence to the family and the Ismaili community worldwide,” the Aga Khan Development Network said.
How did the Aga Khan change the horse racing scene?
Apart from his charitable activities, the Aga Khan was well-known in horse racing, especially in Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom. Leading owner and breeder of racehorses, he had Shergar, his most well-known horse, win the Derby at Epsom in 1981 by an amazing 10 lengths. Although the racing world was stunned by Shergar’s kidnapping in 1983, the Aga Khan’s love of the game never faded.
Tens of hundreds of times I have viewed that movie I do not know. I keep trying to find out where this outstanding performance originated. Every time I see the movie, I feel like I have gained knowledge,” he observed in 2011, considering Shergar’s legendary Derby triumph.
Following even greater success in racing, the Aga Khan claimed the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Zarkava in 2008 and won the Derby four more times.
How did the media business change under the Aga Khan?
In the media, Prince Karim Aga Khan was likewise visionary. Originally starting the Nation Media Group, he has since established the biggest independent media company in East and Central Africa. This further his goal of using several venues to advocate education, culture, and development.
How Do World Leaders View the Aga Khan?
Public personalities and world leaders have paid honors to the Aga Khan’s demise. Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, hailed him as a “man of vision, faith, and generosity,” stressing his relentless efforts in enhancing healthcare, thus reducing poverty, and so promoting women equality.
“His legacy will continue to live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world,” Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai said in paying homage.
He was “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
How might the legacy of Aga Khan go on?
Through his many philanthropic projects and cultural achievements, Prince Karim Aga Khan’s legacy will keep impacting communities all over. Millions of people’s life were impacted by his work; his vision of a more fair and compassionate society will last via the
Aga Khan Development Network’s ongoing activities as well as the institutions he assisted in building.
The passing of the Aga Khan signals the end of an era for the Ismaili community and the international humanitarian scene, yet his influence will be felt always and powerfully.
