His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, has passed away at the age of 88. The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat announced that he died peacefully in Lisbon, surrounded by his family.Prince Karim Aga Khan was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, the first Shia Imam. Born to Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, as Imam in 1957.Throughout his leadership, the Aga Khan IV championed Islam as a faith of intellect, compassion, and human dignity. He dedicated his life to improving living conditions for communities worldwide, irrespective of race, gender, or religion. Under his guidance, the Aga Khan Development Network became one of the largest private international development organizations, serving some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.Respected globally as a statesman and advocate for peace, the Aga Khan IV’s legacy will continue through his initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic development.The 50th Imam has been designated and will be announced following the reading of his will in the coming days. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared soon.
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