Prince Shah Karim Al Husseini, the Aga Khan, and spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide, has passed away in Lisbon at the age of 88. His passing signifies the end of a remarkable life that combined brilliance in horse racing, philanthropy, and spiritual leadership.
Spiritual Legacy of the Aga Khan
The Aga Khan was respected for his leadership and close ties to the Ismaili community as the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims. Directly descended from the Prophet Muhammad, he was appointed imam at the age of 20 by his grandfather, who stunned everyone by choosing him over his father, Prince Aly Khan. This choice was made because it was thought that a young leader would be more equipped to handle the difficulties of a changing world.
The Aga Khan’s Vision for Philanthropy
The Aga Khan founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in 1967 as a global organization aimed at enhancing the standard of living in impoverished regions. With operations in over 30 countries and 80,000 employees, the AKDN specializes in rural development, healthcare, and education.
Under his leadership, the AKDN:
- constructed infrastructure, hospitals, and schools in underdeveloped communities.
- backed cultural preservation initiatives, such as historic monument restoration.
- encouraged economic growth through commercial ventures and microfinance programs.
Diverse Investments and Business Empire
The Aga Khan amassed a fortune estimated between $800 million and $13 billion, sourced from family inheritance, investments, and business ventures. His holdings included:
- profitable enterprises for horse breeding and racing.
- investments in real estate, notably upscale hotels, and tourism-related activities.
- interests in sectors including finance and medicines.
Despite his immense wealth, he maintained a dedication to international philanthropy while leading an opulent lifestyle.
The Aga Khan’s Legacy of Horse Racing
The Aga Khan’s passion for horse racing brought him global recognition. His emerald-green silks became a symbol of excellence in the sport. Notable milestones in his racing career included:
- triumphs involving fabled horses like Sinndar and Sea the Stars.
- In his debut season, he won the French owners’ championship.
- His champion horse Shergar was abducted in 1983 for an unexplained reason.
Individual Lives and Global Citizenship
Born in Geneva in 1936, the Aga Khan held British, French, Swiss, and Portuguese citizenship. He was educated at prestigious institutions, including Le Rosey School in Switzerland and Harvard University.
His personal life featured two marriages:
- British model Sarah Croker Poole, with whom he had three children.
- German aristocrat Gabriele zu Leiningen, with whom he had one son.
The Aga Khan’s Global Influence
The Aga Khan was well-known for his capacity to heal religious and cultural rifts and was instrumental in promoting communication between the East and the West. He gained significant regard as a leader who addressed contemporary issues while upholding spiritual principles as a result of his work.
According to the Aga Khan Development Network, information on his replacement will be released shortly. His death leaves a legacy of kindness, initiative, and leadership that endures.
