Prince Karim Aga Khan, a beacon of goodness and humanity

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the forty-ninth Imam of the Ismaili community, was laid to rest on Sunday, February 9, in Aswan, Egypt, beside his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. 

His passing marks a profound loss for the more than fifteen million Ismailis worldwide. It is a historic tragedy and a momentous global event, as it is the first time that an Ismaili leader, for three generations, has passed away. Prince Karim Aga Khan assumed the position of Imam of the Ismaili Nizari community in 1957, following the death of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, who was a prominent leader in the Pakistan Movement. This succession was in accordance with his grandfather’s will.

Interestingly, instead of selecting one of his three sons—Prince Sadruddin, Prince Ali Salman Khan, or Prince Mehdi Shah—Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III chose his twenty-year-old grandson, Prince Karim Aga Khan, the son of his middle son, Prince Ali Salman Aga Khan. Through his will, he appointed him as the Imam of the Ismaili Nizariyah Jamaat.

Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III himself had ascended to the position of Imam at just seven years old, serving for 72 years (1885–1957), the longest tenure in Ismaili history. No Ismaili Imam had held the position for such a prolonged period since Hazrat Ali al-Murtaza (may Allah be pleased with him), whom Sunnis regard as the fourth Caliph. The lineage of Ismaili Imams also includes 14 rulers from the Fatimid Empire of North Africa and Egypt. Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah was a visionary leader, and his decision to appoint his grandson as his successor proved to be a wise one. Prince Karim Aga Khan IV led the community for 68 years (1957–2025), continuing his grandfather’s legacy.

Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III played a crucial role in strengthening the Ismaili community and was deeply engaged in broader Muslim affairs. The twentieth century was a time of revolutions, during which the Muslim Ummah experienced significant upheavals. Among the leaders striving for Muslim unity in British India, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III was at the forefront. He was instrumental in establishing the All India Muslim League and served as its founding president for seven years. Moreover, he was a key supporter of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s educational movement and played a vital role in the development of Aligarh Muslim University.

Following the collapse of the Ottoman Caliphate, when Turkey faced territorial disintegration, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III championed the cause of Muslim unity and Turkish integrity. He represented the Muslims of the subcontinent in various phases of the Pakistan Movement and contributed significantly to the early stabilization efforts of the newly created Pakistan. Though he passed away in Switzerland, he had willed to be buried in Aswan, Egypt, a place historically linked to the Ismaili Imamate. Now, 68 years later, his successor, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, has been laid to rest beside him, in accordance with his wishes.

Looking back at Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 68-year tenure, he emerges as a true heir to his grandfather’s legacy. He dedicated his life to the welfare of humanity, embodying his grandfather’s principle that the institutions he established should serve the greater good. His greatest achievement, perhaps, was guiding his community toward unity and shared values that transcend religious boundaries. He emphasized education, service, and peace—principles that are universal to all humanity.

Prince Karim Aga Khan was often described as a leader without a territorial state but one who ruled the hearts of his followers. His guidance was regarded as absolute by the Ismaili community, and he was widely respected beyond his faith for his humanitarian contributions. Following Ismaili tradition, he had nominated his successor, Prince Rahim, in his lifetime. However, the name was kept sealed until his passing, as per the Ismaili doctrine of “Nas,” the process of succession. Upon opening the sealed document, it was revealed that Prince Rahim had been appointed the fiftieth Imam of the Ismaili Nizamiyah Jamaat.

We pray that Prince Rahim, as the fifth Aga Khan, continues the esteemed legacy of his forebears, advancing the cause of humanity, peace, and progress, and that his tenure brings prosperity and unity to the Ismaili Jamaat.