Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was laid to rest today in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt.
This followed a funeral service held on Saturday at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by dignitaries including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Spain’s former King Juan Carlos I.
The late Aga Khan, who passed away on February 4 in Lisbon at the age of 88, led the Ismaili community for nearly seven decades. He was widely recognized for his efforts in bridging the gap between Muslim societies and the Western world, as well as for his significant contributions to global development through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The AKDN operates in over 30 countries, focusing on health care, education, housing, and rural development, with an annual budget of approximately $1 billion for non-profit activities.
In Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and other areas, thousands of Ismaili followers gathered in community centers and Jamaat Khanas to view the funeral ceremony broadcast from Lisbon. Many businesses remained closed as a mark of respect and mourning for their spiritual leader.
Following his father’s wishes, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed as the 50th hereditary Imam, Aga Khan V. He is expected to continue his father’s legacy of philanthropy and leadership within the Ismaili community.
The Mausoleum of Aga Khan in Aswan, where Prince Karim has been laid to rest, was originally built for his grandfather, Aga Khan III, who was buried there in 1959. The site holds significant historical importance for the Ismaili community.
A special homage ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lisbon on Tuesday, where community leaders and dignitaries will pay their respects to the late Aga Khan.
