Prince Karim Aga Khan, a distinguished spiritual leader and philanthropist, passed away peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. As the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, he succeeded his grandfather in 1957 at the tender age of 20. His lineage traces directly back to the Prophet Muhammad, and he led a worldwide community of approximately 15 million Ismailis. His leadership extended beyond spirituality, embodying philanthropic endeavors and cultural influence across the globe.
The Aga Khan's impact was felt through his extensive charitable work. He founded the Aga Khan Foundation, a significant force in healthcare, education, and cultural projects predominantly in the developing world. His name is immortalized through numerous institutions, including a university in Karachi. His commitment to culture also led to the establishment of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which played a pivotal role in restoring the Humayun's Tomb site in Delhi.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Prince Karim was a prominent figure in the world of horse racing. He became a leading owner and breeder in the UK, France, and Ireland, with a stable that included the legendary Shergar. Shergar's victory at the Epsom Derby in 1981 remains etched in history as he won by an astonishing 10 lengths.
"If you're in racing, the Epsom Derby is one of the greats. It always has been, so to win a race of that quality in itself is an extraordinary privilege. To win it the way he won it was more than that." – Aga Khan
The Aga Khan's passion for horse racing saw him winning the Derby four more times with Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar, and Harzand. His contribution to this sport highlighted his versatility and his ability to excel in diverse fields.
"His victory up to this point in time was unique. Two things I found stunning – one was the ease with which that horse moved and second was the fact that during the finishing straight he just kept going away, going away, going away. That was really remarkable." – Aga Khan
In 2008, Forbes magazine estimated his fortune at $1 billion (£801m), reflecting his successful ventures and investments. He founded the Nation Media Group, now East and Central Africa's largest independent media organization.
Prince Karim enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, owning a private island in the Bahamas, a super-yacht, and a private jet. Despite such affluence, he remained dedicated to improving lives through his charitable work.
Born in Switzerland, Prince Karim held British citizenship and resided in a chateau in France. His life was a blend of opulence and service, balancing personal success with widespread humanitarian efforts.
The Ismaili community cherished him deeply for his leadership and vision. He was more than a spiritual guide; he was an innovator who sought to uplift those around him through education and economic development.