Aga Khan, Ismaili Muslim Leader, Dies at 88

The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the world's millions of Ismaili Muslims, has died at the age of 88. His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, passed away on Tuesday in Portugal, surrounded by his family.

The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community announced his death, and on Wednesday, his son Rahim was named the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, in accordance with his father's will.

The Aga Khan became the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20, while still an undergraduate at Harvard. He went on to build a material empire through billions of dollars in tithes, which he used to fund development projects in developing countries, including building homes, hospitals, and schools.

Considered a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, the Aga Khan was treated as a head of state and was widely regarded as a builder of bridges between Muslim societies and the West. He was a defender of Islamic culture and values, and his philanthropic organization, the Aga Khan Development Network, worked on issues such as healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development in over 30 countries.

The Aga Khan was also a successful businessman and horse breeder, and he represented Iran in the 1964 Winter Olympics as a skier. He established an architecture prize and programs for Islamic Architecture at MIT and Harvard, and he restored ancient Islamic structures throughout the world.

Tributes poured in from around the world, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres calling him "a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as “a very good friend and an extraordinarily compassionate global leader.”

The Aga Khan is survived by three sons, a daughter, and several grandchildren. His burial will be held in the coming days, followed by an homage ceremony.