Aga Khan IV dead at 88 – Washington Examiner
Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Nizari Ismailism sect of Shia Islam, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by family.Born Mawlana Shah Karim al Hussaini in 1936, he became the Imam at the young age of 20, following his grandfather’s legacy.As a prominent leader among approximately 15 million Ismaili Muslims, he was believed to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, thus holding a meaningful spiritual status.
Aga Khan IV was known for his immense wealth,with an estimated fortune exceeding $13 billion,and was involved in many humanitarian efforts,requiring followers to contribute about 10% of thier income to support religious and charitable activities. He epitomized a blend of modernity and tradition, leading a progressive sect while also engaging in luxury pursuits like racehorse breeding and owning significant properties worldwide.
His successor has yet to be publicly disclosed, but it will follow the historical traditions of succession in the Ismaili community.The details surrounding the inheritance of his title and fortune will be revealed in accordance with his will. He had two marriages, both of which ended in divorce, and he leaves behind three sons and one daughter. The title “Aga Khan” has historical significance, given that it was first conferred in the early 19th century and translates to “great king.”
Aga Khan IV dead at 88
Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Nizari Isma’ilism sect of Shia Islam, has died in Lisbon, Portugal.
The billionaire religious leader, whose birth name was Mawlana Shah Karim al Hussaini, died surrounded by his family, the Ismaili community announced Tuesday.
He was believed by Ismaili Muslims to be the direct descendant of the prophet Mohammad after inheriting the title from his grandfather, the third Aga Khan. His successor has not yet been publicly announced.
“Mawlana Shah Karim’s successor, as the 50th Shia Imami Ismaili Imam, has been designated in conformity with the historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition and practice of nass,” the Ismaili community announced following news of the Aga Khan’s passing.
The heir to the imam’s office and considerable fortune was reportedly “recorded in his will” and will be read “in the presence of the Imam’s family and senior international Jamati leaders” at a later date.
Aga Khan IV was born in 1936 in Geneva and was named imam by his grandfather at the age of 20, skipping a generation due to his father’s public scandals surrounding his love for women and parties.
Typically dressed in perfectly tailored suits and speaking with a posh British accent, the reclusive yet eccentric multibillionaire stood out among Muslim leaders for his distinctly Westernized character.
Aga Khan III said his grandson was the perfect candidate to inherit the position due to his youth and the rapid changes taking place around the world in the “atomic age,” which required a fresh outlook.
He was among the wealthiest royals in the world with a fortune in excess of $13 billion, and he was a mainstay of European high society.
In addition to leading one of the most progressive, esoteric, and liberalized sects of Islam, the imam was an accomplished racehorse breeder and proponent of Islamic architecture.
He owned the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Sardinia and kept two private jets for his personal use. His portfolio included properties in France, Portugal, Ireland, and more.
The office of the Aga Khan is a position of nearly divine status among approximately 15 million Ismaili Muslims.
Ismailis are compelled by the doctrines of their faith to send roughly 10% of their monthly income to the Aga Khan for use in religious and humanitarian efforts.
Aga Khan IV was married twice, with both unions ending in divorce. He has one daughter and three sons. The office will be passed to one of his children, almost certainly a male.
However, as established by his grandfather, there is no guarantee that age will play a factor.
The title “Aga Khan” was first given to the 46th Ismaili imam in 1818 by the shah of Iran and roughly translates to “great king.”
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