Prince Karim Aga Khan, spiritual leader of Ismaili community, passes away

Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, has passed away.

According to the announcement, Prince Karim Aga passed away on February 4 in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. He was 88 years old. Shah Karim's family was present at the time of his death.

Maulana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini was the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community.

Prince Karim Aga has three sons, Rahim Aga Khan, Ali Muhammad Aga Khan, and Hussain Aga Khan and a daughter Zahr Aga Khan.

Maulana Shah Karim's funeral prayers have been announced to be held in Lisbon, but the burial place has not been announced yet.

The date and time will be announced after the arrangements are finalized. Shah Karim's family and senior leaders of the Jamaat and people associated with Imamate institutions will attend the funeral prayers.

Members of the community have been requested not to attend the funeral prayer in person unless they are invited. Arrangements will be made to broadcast the funeral prayer live.

Apecial prayers have been started in Jamaat Khans around the world on the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan. Durood Tasbeeh will continue on the official website of the Ismaili community until the announcement of the new leader.

Special prayers will also be offered on the occasion of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s 40th birthday according to Muslim traditions.

On the other hand, according to traditions, his successor, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community, has been nominated.

According to the announcement, the nomination of the successor was made by Prince Karim Aga Khan in his will, and this will be read out in the presence of Prince Karim Aga Khan’s family and senior members of the community.

According to Ismaili's belief, it has never happened that a congregation has been held without an Imam. As soon as the Imam leaves this physical world, his spiritual light is transferred to his designated successor and this has been going on for 1400 years.

The announcement said that at a time when the Ismaili community honors and is grateful for the life and legacy of Maulana Shah Karim. At the same time, it feels protected by the light and love of the present Imam.

A look at the life of Prince Karim Aga Khan

Prince Karim Aga Khan was the 49th Imam, or spiritual leader, of the Ismaili Muslim community. He was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Prince Karim Aga Khan was appointed Imam on July 11, 1957. At that time, he was 20 years old. Prince Karim's grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan, was an Ismaili.

He spent his life improving the lives of the underprivileged and emphasized that Islam is a religion of compassion, tolerance, and human dignity.

Prince Karim has rendered exemplary services for the development of Pakistan. For his exemplary services, Prince Karim Aga Khan was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan and Nishan-e-Imtiaz.