The 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims is to be announced after Aga Khan’s Will is read in the coming days, according to an official statement.
A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan is well known globally for his philanthropic works aimed at improving people’s lives.
“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 said.
His Highness The Aga Khan (left) and former Mozambique President Joachim Chissano during the media awards gala night on March 18, 2010.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, to Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller, Karim spent his early childhood in Nairobi. His attachment to East Africa saw the Aga Khan establish highly impactful institutions in the region over the years.
His education later took him to Switzerland, where he attended the prestigious Le Rosey School, before enrolling at Harvard University. At the time of his grandfather’s passing, Karim was deeply immersed in the study of Islamic history at Harvard.
As the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis, the young Karim had to set aside his ambitions of pursuing a doctorate in history at Harvard and his passion for soccer, as he became the spiritual leader of millions of Ismailis spread across India, Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Canada, and the former Soviet republics.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and His Highness The Aga Khan arrive for the official unveiling of the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication on July 27, 2011.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Though born into a lineage of leadership, he carried the mantle of the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims with grace and a profound sense of duty.
Yet, his vision extended far beyond religious guidance. His philanthropy reshaped landscapes, bridging cultures and fostering development in some of the world's most vulnerable regions.
Education, healthcare, and economic empowerment were the cornerstones of his life's work, each initiative reflecting his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge, compassion, and enterprise.
By the time of his passing, the Aga Khan’s legacy had become woven into the fabric of nations, notably in Kenya, where his name is etched into institutions that continue to uplift lives.
The Aga Khan Schools, The Aga Khan University Hospital, and its satellite facilities stand as testament to his commitment to excellence and service. Through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), he championed sustainable progress, always guided by his ethos: "AKFED does seek to generate profits, but they are entirely reinvested in future development initiatives."
His Highness the Aga Khan addresses the audience following the signing of the landmark agreement establishing a formal Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal, as Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Rui Machete looks on, on June 3, 2015 in Lisbon.
Photo credit: Natacha Cardoso
Similarly, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) remains a beacon of his vision, playing a major role in sectors ranging from health, education, and culture to rural development and economic empowerment. Its presence in Kenya is deeply felt through investments in Nation Media Group Plc, Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Ltd, Allpack Industries Ltd, Farmer’s Choice Ltd, Premier Food Industries Ltd, and Tourism Promotion Services Eastern Africa Ltd, among others.
AKDN has also shaped communities across other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, fostering progress in some of the world’s most underserved regions.