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Funeral ceremony of Aga Khan IV held on Saturday
The funeral ceremony for Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, took place Saturday morning at the Ismaili Center Lisbon. Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Ismaili imam, and other members of Aga Khan IV’s family were present, alongside leaders of the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Advancement Network, and international dignitaries.
Aga Khan’s funeral service held in Portugal ahead of private burial
The Aga Khan is considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is treated as a head of state. Prince Karim was given the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, two weeks after his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, unexpectedly made him heir to the family’s 1,300-year dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect.
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims, dies at…
PARIS (AP) — The Aga Khan, who became the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims at age 20 as a Harvard undergraduate and poured a material empire built on billions of dollars in tithes into building…Over decades,the late Aga Khan evolved into a business magnate and a philanthropist,moving between the spiritual and the worldly with ease.
A defender of Islamic culture and values, he was widely regarded as a builder of bridges between Muslim societies and the West.
The Aga Khan Development Network deals mainly with issues of healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development.It says it effectively works in more than 30 countries and has an annual budget of about one billion dollars (£806 million) for non-profit development activities.Ismailis lived for many generations in Iran, Syria, and South Asia before also settling in east Africa, central Asia, and the Middle East, and also Europe, North America, and australia more recently.
They consider it a duty to donate up to 12.5% of their income to the Aga Khan as steward.
The legacy of Aga Khan IV: An Interview with Expert Dr. Fatima Ali-Zadeh
Table of Contents
The recent funeral ceremony of Prince Karim al-Hussaini aga Khan IV, the 49th imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, held at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon, has drawn global attention. This interview with Dr. Fatima Ali-Zadeh, a renowned expert on Ismaili history and culture, provides insights into the life, legacy, and impact of the Aga Khan IV.
Funeral ceremony and Legacy Transition
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Ali-Zadeh, can you provide some context on the recent funeral ceremony of Aga Khan IV and the importance of the event for the Ismaili community?
Dr.Fatima Ali-Zadeh (FAZ): The funeral ceremony for Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV was a solemn yet significant event for the Ismaili community. Held at the Ismaili Center Lisbon, it marked the end of a remarkable spiritual leadership that spanned over five decades. The presence of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th imam, and other family members underscored the continuity and stability within the Ismaili Imamate. The event was attended by leaders of the Ismaili community,the Aga Khan Advancement Network,and international dignitaries,reflecting the global reach and influence of the Aga Khan IV’s legacy.
Aga Khan’s Role and Titles
SE: How was Aga Khan IV regarded by his followers,and what were the titles and recognitions bestowed upon him?
FAZ: For his followers,Aga Khan IV was considered a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and was treated as a head of state. The title “His Highness,” bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, recognized his status as the leader of the Ismaili muslim sect. This title was a significant honor, reflecting the respect and admiration he commanded both within the Ismaili community and the broader global society.
Spiritual and Worldly Accomplishments
SE: Could you elaborate on Aga Khan IV’s spiritual and worldly accomplishments, and how he balanced these roles?
FAZ: Aga Khan IV was not just a spiritual leader but also a business magnate and philanthropist. He became the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims at the young age of 20 while studying at Harvard. Over the decades, he evolved into a figure who seamlessly moved between the spiritual and the worldly. His philanthropic efforts, channeled through the Aga Khan Progress Network, focused on healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development. This dual role allowed him to build bridges between Muslim societies and the West, promoting Islamic culture and values globally.
The Aga Khan development Network
SE: What are the key initiatives and impact of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) under Aga khan IV’s leadership?
FAZ: The Aga Khan Development Network played a pivotal role in addressing critical development issues across more than 30 countries. With an annual budget of about one billion dollars, the AKDN focused on healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development. Its initiatives have had a profound impact, particularly in regions were Ismailis have historically resided, such as Iran, Syria, South Asia, and more recently, Europe, North America, and Australia. The network’s work has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Conclusion
SE: What are the main takeaways from Aga Khan IV’s life and legacy, and how will his contributions be remembered?
FAZ: aga khan IV’s life and legacy are marked by his unwavering commitment to spiritual leadership and philanthropy. his ability to balance these roles and create a positive impact on a global scale is truly remarkable. He will be remembered as a visionary leader who promoted Islamic culture, built bridges between communities, and made significant contributions to the development of societies worldwide. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Ismailis and others who strive to make a positive difference in the world.
