Funeral of Aga Khan IV in Lisbon Marks a Historic Transition

The funeral of Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, took place in Lisbon during a private ceremony at the Ismaili community center. Dignitaries including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Spain’s former King Juan Carlos, along with Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the mayor of Lisbon, were present to pay their respects.

Following the ceremony, it was announced that the late Aga Khan would be interred in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. His death was revealed by the Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili religious community, and the announcement of his passing set the stage for a significant transition in leadership.

In accordance with his father’s will, 53-year-old Rahim Al-Hussaini has been designated as the new spiritual leader and Aga Khan V to guide the millions of Ismaili Muslims around the world. Considered a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, the late Aga Khan was not only revered as a religious leader, but also recognized as a head of state by his followers.

His long tenure was marked by profound contributions both spiritually and in the realms of business and philanthropic endeavors. Over the decades, he established himself as a defender of Islamic culture and values while also facilitating dialogue and building connections between Muslim societies and the West.

The Aga Khan Development Network, known for its work in health care, housing, education, and rural economic development in over 30 countries, remains a testament to his legacy, operating with an annual budget of nearly $1 billion for nonprofit activities. The Ismaili community, with deep historical roots in regions such as Iran, Syria, South Asia, East Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, continues its long tradition of contributing a significant portion of their income as a duty to the Aga Khan.