Prince Karim Aga Khan, a prominent leader of the Ismaili Muslims and the 49th hereditary imam since 1957, passed away on February 4, 2025. His leadership had a profound impact on global development and philanthropy, with the Ismaili community, comprising around 15 million followers worldwide, known for its significant charitable contributions. The community considers the imam a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and follows a unique interpretation of Shiite Islam, particularly regarding the lineage of imams, distinguishing themselves from other Shiite groups.
Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Feb. 4, 2025, served as the 49th hereditary imam since 1957, significantly impacting global development and philanthropy.
As a scholar of Muslim philanthropy, I have been impressed by the philanthropic and civic engagement of the Ismailis and their contributions worldwide.
An estimated 15 million Ismaili Muslims live in 35 countries, with a concentration of around 40,000 in Texas, the largest in the U.S.
Ismailis believe that Imam Ismail ibn Jafar was the rightful seventh imam, which differentiates them from the majority Shiite belief in Imam Musa al-Kazim.
Collection
[
|
...
]