The leader of the Muslim Ismailis, the Aga Khan, has passed away at the age of 88, according to the religious community. Karim Al Husseini, as the Aga Khan was known by his civil name, died on Tuesday in Lisbon surrounded by his family, as the religious group announced on their website. Who will succeed him as spiritual leader will be announced later. The succession is determined by the deceased's will.
Death of Aga Khan
British King Charles III (76) is "deeply saddened" by the death of the "longtime close friend," reported the news agency PA, citing royal circles. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed her condolences to the Aga Khan's family on X and praised his commitment to education, health, and development.
Millions of Ismailis
The Ismailis, a liberal branch of Shia Islam, are a globally spread religious community. Their followers mainly live in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, but also in Europe, North America, and Australia. According to the Society for Threatened Peoples, there are about 18 million Ismailis. As their religious teachings significantly differ from orthodox Islam, they still face hostility from other Islamic groups today.
The religious community is well-organized and economically successful: revenues largely benefit educational and development institutions. They aim to familiarize the Ismailis with the political ideas of the Western world and its technological developments and contribute to economic development in Asia and Africa. The Aga Khan founded the development aid organization "Aga Khan Development Network" based in Geneva. It includes various charitable institutions, such as in the health, education, and architecture sectors.
Aga Khan at 20
Al Husseini assumed his role as the head of the religious community in 1957 at the age of 20. The Aga Khan is considered by the Ismailis as a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. He was also regarded as one of the richest men in the world. A French court estimated his wealth at "at least ten billion euros" during a legal dispute over the settlement of his divorced German wife about 13 years ago.
(APA/Red)
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