Husseini, known as Aga Khan IV, passed away on February 4, 2025, at 88, after serving as the 49th imam of Nizari Ismaili Muslims for more than 67 years.

The Aga Khan, who has died at 88, became the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20. He was also one of a golden age of owner-breeders for European horse racing.

His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family. Prince Karim Aga Khan… pic.twitter.com/bxOyR0TyZr

The Aga Khan IV then took control of the Thoroughbred operation in 1960 following the death of his father. He earned France's leading owner title in his first year at the helm, and success followed in the years to come with names like Blushing Groom,

At the age of 20, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini inherited the reins of a Shia Muslim lineage and used his entrepreneurship to become one of the world’s richest hereditary rulers.

The late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died on Tuesday in Lisbon after nearly seven decades as the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community, will be buried in Egypt on Sunday,

Rahim Al-Hussaini was named Wednesday as the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father.

He was widely regarded as a builder of bridges between Muslim societies and the West despite his reticence to become involved in politics.

By Bruce Pannier Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of some 15 million Ismaili Muslims worldwide, died in Portugal on February 4 aged 88. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced the passing of the “49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad” on their website.