As a child, I was always intrigued by a framed photograph of a tall, light-skinned man with Islamic inscriptions surrounding it, hanging on the wall of the shoe shop where I often bought my shoes. I also saw his image in several educational institutions I visited for admission, and I frequently wondered who he was. The answer came when I researched his identity and contributions to the world. Today, we remember him, his legacy, Aga Khan IV—a philanthropist, businessman, and the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslim community—who passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 4, 2025. We will read about his contributions to the world.

Aga Khan

" data-image-caption="

Aga Khan

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/fortaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aga-Khan-1.jpeg?fit=202%2C249&ssl=1" class="size-full wp-image-4194" src="https://fortaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aga-Khan-1.jpeg" alt="Aga Khan" width="202" height="249" /> Aga Khan

Birth of Aga Khan and his Lineage

Aga Khan IV was born on 13 December 1936 , in Geneva, Switzerland,to Prince Ali Khan and Princess Taj-ud-dawlah, followers of Ismaili Shia, Islam. He traces his lineage directly to the Islamic prophet Muhammad through Muhammad's daughter, Fatimah, and his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Educated in Switzerland and Harvard University, the new Aga Khan after being chosen by his grandfather, Aga Khan III, as the successor to the Nizārī Ismāʿīlī imamate he travelled to meet his scattered Ismāʿīlī followers. He urged them to be loyal citizens of their countries and leave places where they faced persecution. A skilled businessman, he owned hotels, airlines, and newspapers. Through the Aga Khan Foundation, he funded education, health, and housing projects in South Asia and East Africa. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) supported industries like manufacturing, tourism, and finance. He also carried on his family's horse-breeding tradition.

Honours and Work of Aga Khan

More than 22 countries across the world have been honoured with the highest civilian awards. India in the year 2015, conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of the nation's highest civilian honours, upon His Highness the Aga Khan in recognition of his contributions to social development in India.

For over six decades, the Aga Khan has been recognized worldwide for his exceptional efforts in human development and improving social conditions across societies. In honor of his contributions, he has received numerous decorations, honorary degrees, and awards from various institutions and nations around the globe.

Aga Khan Service in India

The Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) share a long and historic relationship with India, dating back over a century to the establishment of the first Aga Khan School in Mundra, Gujarat, by the Aga Khan's grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, in 1905. Today, AKDN institutions collaborate closely with governments and communities to address a wide range of development priorities in India, including cultural revitalization, education, healthcare, drinking water and sanitation, rural development, and financial access for underserved communities.