Aga Khan, the influential Islamic leader and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 88. He became the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community at just 20 years old and was known for establishing the Aga Khan Development Network, which focuses on healthcare, education, and rural development in over 30 countries with an annual budget of approximately $1 billion. His legacy includes significant contributions to charity, bridging cultural gaps between Muslims and the West, and fostering Islamic values.
Aga Khan’s lineage is traced back to the Prophet Muhammad, and his role as a leader was deeply respected, as evidenced by tributes from prominent figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He attained the title “His Highness” from Queen Elizabeth II and was an accomplished horse breeder and skier, even representing Iran at the 1964 Winter Olympics. His wealth is substantial but difficult to quantify, with some estimates suggesting it is in the billions.
He spent much of his life in France and Portugal, where he will be buried. The details surrounding his successor have been laid out in his will, which will be made public in due course. He is survived by three sons, daughters, and several grandchildren.
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