Aga Khan IV, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, passes away

The Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, died at 88 in Portugal. He became an imam at age 20. He led the Aga Khan Development Network, improving health, education, and livelihoods in 30 countries. He is well known for building bridges between Muslim societies and the West. Prince Karim Aga Khan was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims. He succeeded his grandfather as imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20. Over decades, the Aga Khan evolved into a business magnate and a philanthropist, moving between the spiritual and the worldly with ease. The Aga Khan will be buried in Lisbon. His successor, named in his will, will be announced  in the presence of his family and religious leaders in Lisbon before the name is made public. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and grandchildren.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that Prince Karim Aga Khan was a visionary who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. The Prime Minister added that the contributions of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in areas like health, education, rural development, and women empowerment will continue to inspire several people. Mr. Modi said he will cherish interactions with Aga Khan. The Prime Minister also shared heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world.
The Aga Khan was the spiritual head of the 12 to 15 million Ismaili Muslims and the founder of an international foundation providing development aid to countries in central and southern Asia, Africa and the Middle East.He was the founder and president of the Aga Khan Development Network, which employs 96,000 people and finances development programmes particularly in Asia and Africa.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the Aga Khan as “a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world” following the religious leader’s death.Born in Geneva, the Aga Khan spent his childhood in Kenya and was appointed in Tanzania to succeed his grandfather in 1957. The Aga Khan also held British and Portuguese citizenship