Last Updated on: 5th February 2025, 04:30 pm
Who was Aga Khan IV? Biography, Wiki
The Islamic spiritual leader, Aga Khan IV, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday at the age of 88, leaving millions of followers around the world in mourning.
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, known as Aga Khan IV, was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslim community and was believed to be a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammed.
Beyond his spiritual leadership, he was a respected billionaire philanthropist and a key figure in global business, skillfully managing both religious duties and international affairs.
Age
He was born on December 13, 1936, in Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva, Switzerland, and passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
Short Bio And Some Quick Facts
| Complete Real Name | Prince Shah Karim Al-Hussaini |
| Famous Name or Title | Aga Khan IV |
| Ismaili Community Name | Noor Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam |
| DOB | December 13, 1936 |
| Age (At the time of Death) | 88 years |
| Place of Birth | Creux-de-Genthod, near Geneva |
| Place of Residence | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Father Name | Aly Khan |
| Mother Name | Joan Yarde-Buller |
| Siblings | Prince Amyn Muhammad, Yasmin Aga Khan, Patrick Benjamin Guinnes |
| Relationship Status | Separated |
| Nationality | British |
| Ex-Wives | Princess Salimah (m. 1969-1995)
Inaara Aga Khan (m. 1998–2014) |
| Religion | Shia Ismaili Nizari Muslims |
| Children | Rahim Aga Khan, Hussain Aga Khan, Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, Zahra Aga Khan |
| Ethnicity | European Background |
| Occupation | Spiritual leader (Imam), Philanthropist, Businessman |
| Height | Update Soon |
| Weight | Update Soon |
| Hair Color | Update Soon |
| Eye Color | Update Soon |
| Wikipedia Page | Yes |
| Education | B.A. (Islamic History) from Harvard University in 1959 |
| Net Worth (As of 2025) | Approximately more than £13 billion |
| Category | Biography |
Education
As a young man, he once dreamed of becoming an architect, but life took him in a different direction. He went on to study at Harvard University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Islamic history.
Over the years, he has dedicated himself to showcasing the richness and diversity of Muslim culture.
In a 2008 interview with AFP, he spoke about his values, saying, “I was born with Islamic ethics in a Muslim family. There’s nothing wrong with wealth, as long as it has social and ethical value and isn’t driven by greed.”
He believes one of Islam’s core principles is to leave the world in a better place than we found it.
Family
Aga Khan IV, the son of Joan Yarde-Buller and Aly Khan, spent part of his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, where a hospital now carries his name.
In 1969, he married Lady James Charles Crichton-Stuart, who later became Princess Salimah Aga Khan. They divorced in 1995 after having three children. In 1998, he married Princess Gabriele of Leiningen, who became Begum Inaara Aga Khan. They had a son, Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, in 2000. The couple separated in 2014 after a lengthy legal battle and a reported £54 million settlement.
Aga Khan lived a lavish lifestyle with private planes, yachts, and skiing at the Winter Olympics. He later married German singer Gabriele Thyssen, with whom he had a son.
His main home was Aiglemont Palace in Gouvieux, France, which housed his Thoroughbred training center and the Aga Khan Development Network. This network employs 80,000 people across 30 countries.
Aga Khan IV Death Reason and Funeral
There’s no confirmed reason for his death; it’s possible he was seriously ill. His funeral will take place at his home.
Aga Khan IV Successor
In 1957, Aga Khan IV became the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, taking over from his grandfather, Aga Khan III, at just 20 years old. Born in Switzerland, he was chosen to lead the community in a groundbreaking decision that skipped the usual line of succession. That same year, Queen Elizabeth bestowed upon him the title “His Highness.”
The new Imam to succeed Aga Khan IV has already been selected and will be announced shortly. His will is being read in Lisbon with family and religious leaders present, and the next Imam will be chosen from his male descendants or close relatives. A ceremony to celebrate his life and leadership will take place afterward.
Remembering: Tributes Paid In Honor of Aga Khan IV
The Aga Khan’s passing at 88 has prompted heartfelt tributes from around the world. King Charles personally offered his condolences to the family, and ceremonies were held in Ismaili communities across the U.S. and beyond.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described him as “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion,” while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised him as “a compassionate global leader.” Messages of sympathy poured in from charity organizations and the equestrian community, where he was highly respected.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over his death, highlighting his leadership and lasting influence. Former Canadian leaders Stephen Harper, John Baird, and Jagmeet Singh also shared their condolences.
Philanthropic Work: AKDN
For more than fifty years, the fourth Aga Khan has combined spiritual leadership with making a positive impact on society. He’s also known for his success in horse racing, making history in 2012 by winning his seventh Prix de Diane at Chantilly after spending £40 million to restore the estate.
Through the Aga Khan Development Network, he’s backed important projects like restoring the Djingareyber Mosque in Timbuktu and preserving Kabul’s Old City. In Uganda, the network built a hydroelectric system, bringing better electricity to the West Nile region. As former World Bank President James Wolfensohn put it, “He grows his wealth while improving lives.”
With an annual budget of $1 billion, the Aga Khan Development Network focuses on healthcare, education, housing, and rural development in over 30 countries.
Aga Khan IV Quotes
My grandfather always looked ahead, seeing the future as a blank canvas ready for him to shape. His ability to imagine what was possible left a strong impact on everyone who knew him.” — Aga Khan IV
“People born into poverty often struggle to find the drive to change their situation. It’s our responsibility to inspire and motivate them to make a difference.” — Aga Khan IV
“In Islam, knowledge isn’t just about academics—it’s about understanding the world God created.” — Aga Khan IV
“Pluralism doesn’t just happen on its own; it takes education and a shared effort to appreciate diversity.” — Aga Khan IV
“Islam teaches that with privilege comes the responsibility to help others.” — Aga Khan IV
For more Aga Khan IV quotes on education and volunteerism, visit this website.
Nationality and Ethnicity
He was British, with an English mother and an Italian grandmother on his mother’s side. This means his background is mainly European.
Aga Khan IV Net Worth
According to Forbes magazine, Prince Shah Karim was known for his enormous wealth—his net worth was estimated at over £13 billion. His impressive portfolio included hundreds of racehorses, stud farms, a yacht club in Sardinia, a private island in the Bahamas, two Bombardier jets, and even a £100 million yacht named Alamshar. He also owned several estates around the world.
For more than 50 years, the fourth Aga Khan made a lasting impact in both spiritual and social circles. His success in horse racing kept him at the top of the bloodstock world, with one of his highlights being a record seventh win at the Prix de Diane in 2012 at Chantilly, where he also invested £40 million to restore a 16th-century estate.
Aga Khan IV’s Social Media Handles
All the mentioned below are the social media handles of the well known businessman and philanthropist Aga Khan IV:
| Homepage | www.theeducationisthub.com |
| Update Soon | |
| YouTube | Update Soon |
| Update Soon |
FAQs About Aga Khan IV Profile
Who was Aga Khan IV? Aga Khan IV, born Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslim community and a renowned philanthropist and businessman.
When was Aga Khan IV born and when did he pass away? He was born on December 13, 1936, and passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
What was Aga Khan IV’s role within the Ismaili Muslim community? Aga Khan IV was the spiritual leader and imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a role he took on in 1957, succeeding his grandfather, Aga Khan III.
What is Aga Khan IV known for apart from his spiritual leadership? He was a significant philanthropist, focusing on global development through the Aga Khan Development Network, and was also a successful businessman and horse racing enthusiast.
What was the Aga Khan Development Network’s impact? The Aga Khan Development Network supported projects in over 30 countries, including healthcare, education, rural development, and infrastructure, with an annual budget of $1 billion.
How was Aga Khan IV’s wealth managed? He had an estimated net worth exceeding £13 billion as per Forbes Magazine, including assets like racehorses, estates, yachts, and private jets, alongside investments in development projects.
What was Aga Khan IV’s educational background? He graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a degree in Islamic history.
Who were Aga Khan IV’s family members? He was the son of Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller. He had several children, including Rahim, Hussain, Aly Muhammad, and Zahra Aga Khan.
What were some of Aga Khan IV’s significant contributions to horse racing? He made history by winning his seventh Prix de Diane in 2012 and invested heavily in restoring estates related to his racing activities.
What is the future of the Ismaili Muslim community following Aga Khan IV’s death? A successor has already been chosen, and his male descendants or close relatives will continue his leadership, with an announcement to be made shortly.
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