Follow Us on Google News
Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslim Community, is like a radiant and shining star that will always shine brightly on the horizon of humanity.
He belongs to the great spiritual tradition of a family that has become a golden symbol of service, welfare, education, and global development. His great-grandfather, Aga Khan III, played a crucial role in improving the political, social, and educational conditions for Muslims in the subcontinent. The exceptional work done by the Aga Khan family guarantees that Aga Khan III’s contributions won’t be forgotten. His legacy of selfless service and substantial achievements will be remembered globally for generations.
Aga Khan III, born in 1877, proved to be a beacon of light for the Muslims of the subcontinent, igniting the candle of hope in the darkness of slavery. He was elected the first president of the All India Muslim League and, with his tact and wisdom, defended the political, educational, and social rights of Muslims in negotiations with the British government with great skill and success. His personality was a beautiful combination of political insight, brilliant diplomacy, and intellectual depth, making him not only a great leader but also a high-ranking thinker and reformer.
Aga Khan III’s vision was not limited to political autonomy for Muslims; rather, he was also a great advocate of their educational progress. His unforgettable role in the development of Aligarh Muslim University and his tireless efforts in establishing educational institutions remain a beacon for the Muslim world. Aga Khan III had the foresight to recognize the future importance of lands in Gwadar and Hunza, advising the Ismaili community against selling them. This decision has been validated today, as Gwadar is now a vital component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). His ability to anticipate the strategic value of these regions underscores his exceptional vision and leadership qualities.
Every member of the Aga Khan family has been illuminating the world with the light of knowledge, generosity, and human welfare. After the passing of Aga Khan III, his grandson, Prince Karim Aga Khan, not only upheld this great tradition but further enriched it.
Prince Karim Aga Khan devoted his life to helping others, and his commitment continues to inspire and make a difference for the future. During his Silver Jubilee, which marked 25 years of his leadership, he was given a weight in silver equal to his own. Rather than keep this valuable gift, he chose to donate it to support welfare projects. This generous act highlighted his true dedication to improving people’s lives and contributing positively to the world.
When his Golden Jubilee arrived, he received gold equal to his weight and used the proceeds to establish what is now the renowned Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi. This institution is a beacon in the field of healthcare, providing high-quality treatment in every specialty and serving the general public with unwavering excellence.
In recent years, when law and order in Karachi deteriorated, causing anxiety, uncertainty, and unrest among the people, Prince Karim Aga Khan consoled his followers and urged them to contribute to the development of their homeland rather than migrate. Today, under Aga Khan IV’s guidance, Karachi is once again on the path of economic, educational, and social progress—an example of his leadership that transforms despair into hope and inspires resilience.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) runs humanitarian projects worldwide, spanning education, health, culture, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The educational institutions he established today meet the highest global standards, and his contributions to the health sector are comparable to Nobel Prize-winning projects. His son, Prince Rahim, follows the same principles. In keeping with Ismaili tradition, Prince Karim Aga Khan wrote his will during his lifetime, appointing the next Imam of the Ismaili community.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan is dedicated to addressing significant global challenges, particularly climate change, by actively working to achieve zero carbon emissions. The leadership approach of the Aga Khan family integrates tradition with contemporary needs, focusing on a broad vision of service, development, and justice. Prince Rahim al-Husseini, recognized as Aga Khan V, promotes the Time, Knowledge, and Network (TKN) principle. This principle aims to guide each Ismaili towards progress through mutual support and commitment to serving humanity.
The contributions of the Aga Khan family are too vast to be covered in a single article, as their remarkable deeds will always be inscribed in golden letters in human history. The movement initiated by Aga Khan III, the unparalleled sacrifices he made, and the benevolent services of Prince Karim Aga Khan have illuminated the world—not just for the Ismaili community but for all of humanity. The torch has now passed to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who is determined to elevate it even further.
The services of the Aga Khan family remind us that true leadership transcends borders and finds its highest expression in service to others. Their journey continues, and their radiant legacy will always remain a symbol of hope, love, and progress for humanity. As Prince Rahim Aga Khan stated in his first decree to his followers:
Prince Rahim Aga Khan urged the Ismaili community to adhere to Tawheed, stating that Tawheed is the fundamental principle of the Shia Ismaili way. Followers must maintain a balance between religion and worldly life. “The current global situation is fragile, and I fear it will remain so for some time. To succeed in these times, it is necessary to invest in education and skills, with particular focus on technology and language. Work hard and stay aware of the world around you so that you can become active citizens of your respective countries while facing future challenges. My father was a visionary leader who, like his grandfather, left behind a great legacy for generations to come. I am grateful to the governments of Portugal and Egypt for the excellent arrangements for my father’s burial and final rites.”
Pakistan is the ancestral homeland of the Aga Khan family, and the large Ismaili community in Pakistan reflects their deep connection to the country. By continuing the Aga Khan family’s tradition of selfless service in Pakistan, the nation can greatly benefit from their new Imam and his dynamic leadership. Pakistan, too, can chart a new path, particularly in health and education, by collaborating with a spiritual leader Prince Rahim, Aga Khan V. Furthermore, Pakistan should immediately consider providing all necessary facilities for the new Imam so as to stimulate the thoughts of establishment of winter capital of Imamat in a suitable area along the Super Highway near Karachi, like the one in Lisbon. 1.5 million Ismaili Shia Muslims will find spiritual solace to have some dwelling around the summer capital, thus attracting investing along with the knowledge, needed in Pakistan. This would not only boost the local economy but also enhance Pakistan’s image as a progressive, welfare-oriented state on the international stage.
