Aga Khan IV laid to rest in Egypt

By Daniel Ogetta, ASWAN Egypt

Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, was laid to rest on Sunday in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt.

Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV being laid to rest in mausoleum of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aswa, Egypt, February 9, 2025.

The Aga Khan’s burial came five days after he passed away on February 4 in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.

His son and successor, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who has since been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, attended the ceremony alongside family members and leaders of the global Ismaili community.

“The governor of Aswan, as a mark of respect, facilitated and participated in a dignified procession through the city to the banks of the River Nile. The casket of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was transferred by boat in a ceremonial crossing to the private domain where Villa Nour El Salam and the mausoleum of Aga Khan III are situated,” read the communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.

“The casket was carried by hand in a procession which was led by family members. His Highness’s body was interred in the existing mausoleum at the top of the hill overlooking the Nile.”

The ceremonies followed Muslim tradition, after which the Governor of Aswan, Major-General Ismail Kamal, presented Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with a symbolic key to the city of Aswan as a mark of respect.

Following his father’s passing in Lisbon, Portugal, Prince Rahim assumed leadership in accordance with the historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition.

Egypt holds deep historical significance for the Ismaili community, as it was the centre of the Fatimid Caliphate, which was governed by Ismaili Imams during the 10th and 11th centuries.

The Fatimid Imam-Caliphs founded Cairo, which became a major hub of learning, culture, and trade.

“Their support of pluralism, education and the arts led to a series of advancements in science, architecture, and philosophy, and their legacy can be observed today in the rich history and culture of the region,” said the communique.

Aswan is also the final resting place of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, and his wife, Mata Salamat.

“They both enjoyed warm relations with the people of Aswan, which have been sustained by the late Prince Karim and his family, through the work of the Om Habibeh Foundation and the Aga Khan Foundation,” read the statement.

A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan was widely known for his philanthropic work aimed at improving lives across the globe.

"Throughout his life, His Highness the Aga Khan V emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind," an official statement released from Portugal said.

“His Highness dedicated his life to improving the living conditions of his community and the peoples of the countries in which they live, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or religion.”

As founder and leader of one of the world’s largest private international development organisations, the Aga Khan was respected globally as a statesman and advocate for peace and human progress.

In Kenya, as in other parts of the world, the Aga Khan Development Network has had a profound impact across various sectors— including education, healthcare, and economic development. It has also played a key role in supporting press freedom through the Nation Media Group.

Upon his death on February 4, national, regional and global leaders eulogised His Highness Aga Khan IV as “an extraordinary leader”, “a philanthropist”, and an “advocate for peace, development, and pluralism”.

A procession during the burial ceremony of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in Aswan, Egypt, on February 9, 2025.

They included Kenya’s President William Ruto, UN Secretary-General António, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom King Charles III.

“For decades, the Aga Khan dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for millions around the world, particularly in the most vulnerable communities, through his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, education, and cultural preservation,” Guterres said on February 4 through his Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

“The Aga Khan’s leadership extended beyond his role as the Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was a bridge-builder between cultures and faiths, promoting mutual understanding and respect in an increasingly interconnected world. His efforts to address poverty, advance gender equality, and foster sustainable development have left an indelible mark on the global community.”

The burial paves the way for the homage ceremony to Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal.

“Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V will grant an audience to senior leaders of the Ismaili community, who will pledge their allegiance, on behalf of the global Ismaili community, to the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. This is a private religious ceremony,” reads a February 6 communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.