Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader, Philanthropist
Spiritual Leader, Philanthropist

Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan

Born 13 December 1936 · Switzerland

Established the Aga Khan Development Network to improve living conditions in Asia and Africa.

Aga Khan is the hereditary title of the spiritual leader and Imām of the Nizari Ismāʿīli Shias, a branch of Islam with approximately 12–15 million followers worldwide. The Aga Khan serves as both the religious head and temporal leader of the Ismaili community, providing spiritual guidance and overseeing extensive development and humanitarian work across Asia, Africa, and other regions where Ismailis live.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

At age 21, Prince Karim’s accession to Imam skipped his father entirely, a rare move justified by his grandfather citing ‘altered conditions in the world’ including atomic science discoveries.

The Story

1
🌍 In 1957, at the age of 20, Prince Karim Al Hussaini unexpectedly became the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan in Geneva, marking a pivotal moment for a community spanning Asia, Africa, and beyond.
2
🎓 He graduated from Harvard University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic History, blending Western education with his role as a spiritual leader, a rare combination for a religious figure of his time.
3🌐 In 1967, he founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which grew into one of the largest private development networks focusing on health, education, culture, and rural development across multiple continents.
4🕌 During the Cold War and post-colonial transitions in Africa and Central Asia, Aga Khan IV guided his Ismaili community through geopolitical upheavals while promoting pluralism and tolerance in regions marked by conflict.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1957, the Aga Khan title skipped his father, Prince Aly Khan, and went directly to the grandson, Prince Karim, due to a will citing the need for a younger leader amidst global scientific changes.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Geneva, Switzerland
Prince Karim Al Hussaini was born in Geneva, marking the start of a life that would bridge continents and cultures.
1936
⚡
Career
Became 49th Ismaili Imam
At age 20, he succeeded his grandfather as the hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Shias, bypassing his father.
1957
📚
Education
Graduated from Harvard University
Completed a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic History, blending Western academic training with spiritual duties.
1959
⚡
Career
Founded Aga Khan Development Network
Established what would become a vast network for development and humanitarian work across Asia and Africa.
1967
⚡
Career
Launched Aga Khan Academies
Initiated a global network of schools focusing on secular and ethical education in developing countries.
2007
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Lisbon
Died at age 88, with the hereditary succession to his son announced the next day.
2025
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
👤PERSONAL

The Aga Khan attended Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland, known as one of the world's most expensive boarding schools, before his studies at Harvard, reflecting a blend of elite Western education and spiritual leadership.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

The Aga Khan Foundation was established in 1967 and today is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, which operates in over 30 countries with projects ranging from health to cultural restoration.

03 / 06
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Despite being a religious leader, Aga Khan IV’s Harvard thesis focused on Islamic History, indicating his scholarly approach to spirituality and leadership.

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"Pluralism does not mean the elimination of difference, but the embrace of difference. Genuine pluralism understands that diversity does not weaken a society, it strengthens it."

— Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
IN CONVERSATION- H.E. AGA KHAN
More from this archive
IN CONVERSATION- H.E. AGA KHAN
01
IN CONVERSATION- H.E. AGA KHAN
Aga Khan IV: Celebrated Leader and Philanthropist Passes Away at 88
02
Aga Khan IV: Celebrated Leader and Philanthropist Passes Away at 88
Aga Khan IV, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, dies at 88 | The Express Tribune
03
Aga Khan IV, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, dies at 88 | The Express Tribune
Prince Karim Aga Khan Passed Away | Story of Agha Khani Billionaire spiritual leader | Haqeeqat Jano
04
Prince Karim Aga Khan Passed Away | Story of Agha Khani Billionaire spiritual leader | Haqeeqat Jano
His Highness The Aga Khan's Historical Visit To Chake Chake Pamba Ismaili Jamat on 18 November 1957
05
His Highness The Aga Khan's Historical Visit To Chake Chake Pamba Ismaili Jamat on 18 November 1957
prince agha karim khan lifestyle and history | Facts about ismaili imam and his family in urdu hindi
06
prince agha karim khan lifestyle and history | Facts about ismaili imam and his family in urdu hindi
Speech of His Highness The Aga Khan - Singapore, January 9, 1983
07
Speech of His Highness The Aga Khan - Singapore, January 9, 1983
The Aga Khan (A Short Biography)
08
The Aga Khan (A Short Biography)
prince agha karim khan lifestyle and history | Facts about ismaili imam and his family in urdu hindi
09
prince agha karim khan lifestyle and history | Facts about ismaili imam and his family in urdu hindi
Aga Khan Development Network | Quote of the Week
10
Aga Khan Development Network | Quote of the Week

🌱 What changed because of them

Aga Khan IV transformed the hereditary role of Imam into a platform for global development through the Aga Khan Development Network, impacting millions via education, health, and cultural projects. His emphasis on pluralism influenced Muslim communities to embrace diversity rather than division. Institutions like the Aga Khan Academies continue to shape leadership and education across Asia and Africa.

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