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Prince Karim al-Hussaini, known as Aga Khan IV, in Lisbon at the age of 88.

Aga Khan IV

Born on December 13, 1936, in Switzerland, he was the eldest son of Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller. At just 20 years old, he succeeded his grandfather, Aga Khan III, as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Shias in 1957.

For nearly seven decades, Aga Khan IV provided spiritual guidance to his followers, emphasizing Islam as a faith of compassion, dignity and religious tolerance.

 He encouraged education, economic development and social progress ensuring that Ismailis remained active participants in the modern world.

The Shia-Sunni Split

• The division between Shia and Sunni Islam dates back to 632 CE, following the death of Prophet Muhammad.
• Sunnis believed that the leader of the Muslim community should be chosen based on merit and consensus.
• Shias insisted that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s bloodline, through his daughter Fatima and son-in-law Ali.
• This disagreement led to different sects within Shia Islam including:
• Twelver Shias (Ithna Ashariyah) – The largest Shia sect, following 12 Imams, with the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, believed to be in occultation.
• Zaydi Shias (Fivers) – Diverged after the fourth Imam, following a distinct line of leadership.
• Ismaili Shias (Seveners) – Followed the same lineage as the Twelvers until the sixth Imam, after which they split into Nizaris and Musta’lis.

Who is the Nizari Ismailis?

The Nizari Ismailis are the largest branch of Ismaili Shia Islam and trace their spiritual leadership through a direct line of Imams, with Aga Khan IV as their 49th leader.

The title Aga Khan was first granted to Hasan Ali Shah, the 46th Imam, by Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, the king of Iran, in the 19th century. Since then, the Aga Khans have led the Ismaili community as both spiritual leaders and modern reformers.

 In 2015, Aga Khan IV declared Lisbon as the global headquarters of the Nizari Imamate strengthening the Ismaili presence worldwide.

Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

Recognizing the need for social and economic development, Aga Khan IV founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the world’s largest private philanthropic organizations.

Key Focus Areas of AKDN

• Healthcare – Operates hospitals and clinics, improving medical access in developing regions.
• Education – Established Aga Khan Schools, Aga Khan University, and the University of Central Asia.
• Cultural Preservation – Restores historic monuments, supports traditional art, and promotes cultural heritage.

Major Contributions to India

• Humayun’s Tomb and Nizamuddin area (Delhi) – Large-scale restoration projects.
• Sunder Nursery (Delhi) – Transformed into a cultural and ecological park.
• Quli Qutb Shahi Tombs (Hyderabad) – Ongoing conservation efforts.

With an annual budget of over $1 billion, the AKDN operates in 30+ countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, focusing on improving quality of life through ethical development.

A Leader for modern times

• Nicknamed the "Imam of the Atomic Age," Aga Khan IV was chosen as his grandfather’s successor because of his modern vision and ability to adapt to the changing world.
• During his leadership, he guided the Ismaili community through global transitions, including:
  • • Decolonization in Africa
    • The end of the Cold War
    • The fall of communism in Central Asia
    • Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East
• Despite his wealth and privileged background, he remained committed to humanitarian causes, believing that an Imam should engage with everyday life rather than withdraw from it.
• As he once told Vanity Fair, "An Imam is expected to protect his community and contribute to their quality of life."

Recognition & Honours

In 2015, Aga Khan IV was awarded India’s Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to culture, development, and humanitarian efforts.

He was widely respected across political, religious, and cultural circles, being recognized as a bridge between civilizations and an advocate for peace and development.

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS