Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Laid to Rest in Aswan, Egypt; Son Rahim Aga Khan Named Successor

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s Final Rites Held in Aswan

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was laid to rest on Sunday in a private funeral ceremony held in Aswan, Egypt. The revered leader, who passed away on February 4, 2024, was honored with a solemn burial attended by close family members and followers.

The funeral rites took place along the Nile River, where mourners carried his coffin draped in a white shroud. Bells rang during the funeral procession, symbolizing the passing of the global Ismaili community's spiritual leader.

Dignitaries Pay Tribute at Memorial Service in Lisbon

A separate memorial service was held at the Ismaili Community Center in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by world leaders and dignitaries, including:

• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
• Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos
• Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

Prince Karim was highly regarded for his humanitarian work and global leadership within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which focuses on healthcare, education, and economic development across 30 countries.

Rahim Aga Khan Named as New Ismaili Imam

Following his father’s wishes, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, 53, has now been officially named as Aga Khan V, the new spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. Alongside his religious role, he will also head the Aga Khan Development Network, continuing his father’s legacy of philanthropy and social development.

Prince Rahim is expected to lead the Ismaili community with a focus on modernization, global unity, and economic empowerment, ensuring the continued success of AKDN’s initiatives worldwide.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s Legacy

Born in 1936, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was appointed as the Ismaili Imam in 1957 by his father, succeeding him at just 20 years old. Over his 66-year leadership, he significantly expanded:

• Education programs (including Aga Khan University)
• Healthcare networks across Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia
• Infrastructure projects that improved housing and rural development
• Cultural preservation efforts through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture

He was granted the title of "His Highness" by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, recognizing his global contributions.

Looking Ahead: A New Era Under Aga Khan V

With Aga Khan V now at the helm, the Ismaili Muslim community enters a new era of leadership while continuing to build on Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s vision of progress and social development.

As tributes pour in from across the world, the legacy of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV remains deeply ingrained in the lives of millions who benefited from his spiritual guidance and humanitarian efforts.

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