The spiritual leader left forever at the age of 88. A native of Geneva spent his childhood in Kenya and studied at Harvard University in the USA. He became the spiritual leader of the Ismailites after the death of his grandfather, AGA Khan III, in 1957.
At the age of 88, the spiritual leader of millions of Shiite Ismail Muslims, philanthropist and billionaire AGA Khan IV died on Tuesday in Lisbon. This was announced by his foundation, TASR informs on the basis of AFP and AP reports.
Hereditary imam
“His High Prince Kami, Aga Khan IV., 49 (AKDN), which employs 96,000 people and is dedicated to extensive help to developing countries in Africa and Asia.
According to its website, the Ismailite community, living in several countries, especially in Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East, has 12 to 15 million members.
AGA Khan IV. was born in December 1936 in Geneva, spent his childhood in Kenya and studied at Harvard University in the USA. He became the spiritual leader of the Ismailites after the death of his grandfather, AGA Khan III, in 1957.
Citizen of several countries
He put a large part of the inherited assets into philanthropic projects and, for his work in the field of development and tolerance in the world, Canada granted him honorary citizenship. In addition, he also had British and Portuguese citizenship, states AFP and recalls that the management of ismailites is based in Lisbon.
His death was also responded by UN Secretary General António Guterres, who AGA Khan IV. He described as “a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our restless world.” Pakistani activist and laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize Malila Jusafzajová said that his legacy would “live further through the incredible work he did in education, health and development worldwide “.
