Aga Khan, Ismaili Muslim Imam, Dies at 88

Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, regarded by his followers as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, became the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims while still a student. At just 20 years old and studying at Harvard, he succeeded his grandfather as the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

Aga Khan IV, who transformed billions of dollars in tithes into a vast philanthropic empire, funding homes, hospitals, and schools in developing nations through the Aga Khan Development Network, passed away on Tuesday at age 88. His death was announced by his development network and the Ismaili religious community. He died in Portugal, surrounded by family.

His successor, designated in his will, will be revealed in Lisbon after a formal reading in the presence of his family and religious leaders. The chosen successor must be selected from his male progeny or close relatives, as per Ismaili tradition. A date for the announcement has yet to be set.

Aga Khan IV’s leadership began under unique circumstances—his grandfather bypassed his own son, the Aga Khan’s father, to appoint him as imam, believing the Ismaili community needed a leader raised in the modern era.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aga Khan IV, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88

Who are the Ismailis?

The Ismailis are a branch of Shia Islam, which itself is one of the two main sects of Islam (the other being Sunni Islam). Ismailis trace their lineage to Imam Isma'il ibn Jafar, the son of the sixth Shia Imam, Jafar al-Sadiq. They believe that the Imamate (spiritual leadership) should have continued through Isma'il’s descendants, whereas Twelver Shia Muslims believe it continued through another son, Musa al-Kadhim.

Key Aspects of Ismailism:

1. Spiritual Leadership (Imamate):

   • The Ismailis are led by a living Imam who is considered the rightful spiritual leader of all Muslims.
   • The current Imam of the Nizari Ismailis is Aga Khan IV (Prince Karim Aga Khan), who has led the community since 1957.

2. Diversity in Branches:

   • The two main groups are the Nizari Ismailis (the largest group, led by the Aga Khan) and the Dawoodi Bohras (a smaller sect with a structured clergy).
   • Historically, other branches like the Fatimids (who ruled Egypt from the 10th to 12th centuries) and the Assassins (Nizari Ismailis of Alamut) also played significant roles in Islamic history.

3. Esoteric and Intellectual Tradition:

   • Ismailism emphasizes interpretation (ta’wil) of the Quran, giving importance to both external (zahir) and hidden (batin) meanings.
   • It has been associated with a strong tradition of philosophy, science, and learning, especially during the Fatimid Caliphate.

4. Ethical and Humanitarian Focus:

   • The Aga Khan Foundation and other Ismaili institutions work globally in areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation.
   • Ismailis generally emphasize pluralism, tolerance, and engagement with modern society.

5. Prayer and Practice:

   • Unlike Sunni and Twelver Shia Muslims, Nizari Ismailis do not perform traditional public prayers in mosques. Instead, they gather in Jamatkhanas for communal prayers and spiritual gatherings.
   • They emphasize the role of the living Imam as the guide to understanding Islam, rather than strict adherence to legalistic interpretations.

Geographic Distribution:

• Ismailis are found worldwide, with significant populations in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda), Canada, the U.S., and parts of Europe.

Ismailism represents a dynamic and intellectual interpretation of Islam, balancing religious tradition with modernity, and emphasizing humanitarian values.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here