As He is Laid to Rest, Aga Khan IV’s Enduring Legacy in East Africa Comes Into Focus
With a large following in Eastern Africa, the late leader of the Ismaili Muslim Community transformed education, healthcare and development across the region
Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV attends an event at the Aga Khan Centre on October 2, 2019 in London, England.
Thousands of Ismaili Muslims across East Africa are mourning the passing of their spiritual leader, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, who waslaid to rest in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on Sunday.
Prince Al-Hussaini was the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of theAga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a global organization dedicated to education, healthcare, economic development and cultural preservation. As per his will,he is succeeded by his son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan V.
For over 1,400 years,the Ismaili Muslim community has been led by a living, hereditary Imam, a lineage that traces back to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
Ismailis, estimated at 12 to 15 million people, are spread across more than 35 countries, with a significant presence in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
An East African legacy
Though born in Geneva, the Aga Khan spent much of his early childhood in Kenya during World War II, an experience that deeply shaped his connection to East Africa.His belief in pluralism and serving humanity is reflected in the vast educational, healthcare, hospitality and economic initiatives he established across the region. As a result, his influence extends beyond the Ismaili community, leaving a lasting impact across East Africa.
In Kenya, his legacy endures through Aga Khan Schools, Aga Khan University, Aga Khan University Hospital and investments in Nation Media Group and Farmers Choice Ltd., among many more.He shaped education and media in Tanzania, establishing Aga Khan University and Mwananchi Communications Limited, part of Nation Media Group.
Al-Hussaini's economic impact includes founding Diamond Trust Bank in 1945 in Dar es Salaam, which has expanded to Kenya, Uganda and Burundi. He was also involved inhistoric preservation projects in Zanzibar's Stone Town.In Uganda, his influence continuesthrough Aga Khan University and Hospital.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zanzibar's President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi,Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, andKenyan President William Ruto joined world leaders in mourning his passing, recognizing his tireless efforts to uplift communities across East Africa.A historic farewell
His burialtook place in Aswan five days after his passing in Lisbon, Portugal, at age 88. His son, family members, and global Ismaili leaders attended the ceremony. Governor Major-General Ismail Kamal of Aswan led a procession through the city to the Nile, where the Aga Khan's casket was transported by boat to Villa Nour El Salam.
Following Muslim tradition, he was laid to rest in the mausoleum that also holds his grandfather, Aga Khan III. After the burial, Maj. Gen. Kamal presented Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with a symbolic key to the city. "When his will was opened, it was found that he had requested to be buried in Aswan near his grandfather, Sultan Muhammad Shah and his grandmother, Om Habiba," said Maj. Gen. Kamal.
Aswan remains a sacred site for the Ismaili community, as the final resting place of Aga Khan III and his wife, Mata Salamat. Egypt holdsdeep historical significance for the community, as it was the center of the Fatimid Caliphate, which Ismaili Imams governed during the 10th and 11th centuries.- African Governments Are Failing to Address Concerns Presented by Protesters ›
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