Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini was named the 50th hereditary Imam, or spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, on Wednesday following the unsealing of his father Aga Khan IV’s will, the Aga Khan Development Network said in a statement.
Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and known for his development work around the world, died in Lisbon at the age of 88, according to the Aga Khan Development Network on X.
The 49th hereditary imam or spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismailis, his name also became synonymous with success as a racehorse owner, with the thoroughbred Shergar among his most famous.
The international jet setter — who held British, French, Swiss and Portuguese citizenship — poured millions into helping people in the poorest parts of the world.
The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community announced earlier that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, died surrounded by his family.
It said his burial and will-reading will be held in the coming days, followed by an homage ceremony.
ERMD/Reuters
