Chicago – February 05, 2025
The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Shia Muslim community, has passed away in Lisbon at the age of 88. His organization, the Aga Khan Development Network, announced that a successor will be chosen soon. According to Ismaili tradition, the next Aga Khan will be selected from his male descendants.
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Aga Khan spent part of his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, before returning to Switzerland for school. He later studied Islamic history at Harvard University in the United States.
In 1957, at just 20 years old, he became the imam of the Ismaili Muslims after the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. Throughout his life, he promoted Islamic culture and values and worked to build understanding between Muslim communities and the West. However, he preferred to stay out of politics.
Beyond his religious role, the Aga Khan was known for his vast wealth and luxurious lifestyle, which included private jets, superyachts, and a private island in the Bahamas. He held citizenship in the UK, France, Switzerland, and Portugal, and in recent years, he had been living in Portugal.
His development organization is based in Switzerland and works on projects worldwide. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. The Aga Khan will be buried in Lisbon.
