Prince Karim Aga Khan is no more
LISBON (PORTUGAL): His Highness Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of Ismailis, has passed away in Lisbon Portugal at the age of 88 on February 4, 2025, the family of the Aga Khan announced.
The Will of the Imam naming his successor and the 50th Imam of the Ismailis will be made public by the family in the presence of the Ismaili leaders soon. The Ismailis will be offering special prayers in Jamat Khanas till the announcement about the 50th Imam.
The 49th Imam has one daughter Princess Zahra (54), sons Prince Rahim (53), Prince Hussain (50) and Prince Ali Muhammad (24).
Aga Khan IV was born in Geneva, Switzerland on December 13, 1936, and became the 49th Imam of the Ismailis on July 11, 1957, after the passing of his grandfather and 48th Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III.
According to the Ismaili website, “With profound sadness, the Jamat is informed that our beloved 49th hereditary Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, passed peacefully to Almighty Allah’s grace on 4 February 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family.
“Mawlana Shah Karim’s successor, as the 50th Shia Imami Ismaili Imam, has been designated in conformity with the historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition and practice of nass.
“The designation made by Mawlana Shah Karim is recorded in his Will, which is to be read in the presence of the Imam’s family and senior international Jamati leaders. Thereafter, the Jamat will be notified of the declared Hazar Imam in whom the Nur exists in unbroken hereditary succession from Mawlana Ali (peace be upon him).
“As we honour, cherish and offer gratitude for the life and legacy of Mawlana Shah Karim, we remain secure under the permanent love and protection of the Nur of the Imam-of-the-Time.”
What Next?
There will be the announcement of the 50th Imam, the funeral ceremony of Mawlana Shah Karim, as well as a Bayah and homage ceremony to the next Imam.
Mawlana Shah Karim’s successor, as the 50th Shia Imami Ismaili Imam, has been designated in conformity with the historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition and practice of nass. The designation made by Mawlana Shah Karim is recorded in his Will which is to be read in the presence of the Imam’s family and senior international Jamati leaders.
Thereafter, the Jamat will be notified of the declared Hazar Imam in whom the Nur of Imamat exists in unbroken hereditary succession from Mawlana Ali (peace be upon him).
Mawlana Shah Karim will be laid to rest in the coming days. Further information will be communicated as soon as details are finalised.
Soon thereafter, the official Bayah and homage ceremony of our 50th Imam will take place. Source
The His Highness last visited Pakistan in December 2017 when he also met his followers in both Chitral Lower and Upper and Gilgit-Baltistan.