Joseph Isangura
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the revered leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, was laid to rest on February 9, 2025, in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt.
The solemn event marked the end of an era for millions of Ismailis around the world, who had looked to him for spiritual guidance and humanitarian leadership for nearly seven decades.
The ceremony was attended by his eldest son and successor, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, along with close family members and senior leaders of the Ismaili community. In a display of respect and solidarity, the Governor of Aswan, Major General Dr. Ismail Kamal, led a dignified procession through the city, accompanying the casket to the banks of the Nile River.
Draped in a white cloth embroidered with his personal standard, Prince Karim’s casket was then placed on a boat and transported across the Nile to the private estate where Villa Nour El Salam and the mausoleum of Aga Khan III are located. Upon arrival, the casket was carried by hand up the hill to the mausoleum, where he was laid to rest beside his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, fulfilling his final wishes.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88, was widely recognized for his commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide. His leadership extended far beyond the Ismaili community, as he dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts through the Aga Khan Development Network. His work focused on advancing education, healthcare, economic development, and cultural preservation across numerous countries, particularly in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
Following his passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, was named Aga Khan V, becoming the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community. Prince Rahim has long been active in the Aga Khan Development Network, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and supporting vulnerable communities facing the challenges of climate change.
Dignitaries and global leaders paid their respects during the funeral proceedings, acknowledging Prince Karim’s profound contributions to development and diplomacy.
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Among those in attendance were Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Spain’s King Emeritus Juan Carlos, and Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, reflecting the global influence and high regard in which he was held.
As the Ismaili community transitions under the leadership of Aga Khan V, Prince Rahim has vowed to carry forward his father’s vision of compassion, progress, and inclusivity. His leadership is expected to build upon the foundation laid by Prince Karim, ensuring that the legacy of service and global development continues to flourish.
Prince Karim’s burial in Aswan holds deep historical and spiritual significance. The mausoleum’s location in Egypt, a country with strong ties to the Fatimid Caliphate a key part of Ismaili heritagesymbolizes a connection to the past while looking toward the future.
