Late spiritual leader to be buried in Egypt
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4th in Lisbon after almost 70 years as the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community, is set to be buried in Egypt on February 9th, according to the Ismaili Imamat, The New Arab via Reuters reported.
A funeral service will take place on February 8th at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, with leaders of the community, Portuguese government officials, and foreign dignitaries in attendance.
The statement issued on Thursday confirmed that Aga Khan IV will then be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on February 9th.
Egypt was once home to the Ismaili Fatimid dynasty, from which the Aga Khan claims descent.
His father, Aga Khan III, was buried in a specially constructed mausoleum for Shia leaders in Aswan.
Prince Karim, widely recognised for both his wealth and global development initiatives through the Aga Khan Development Network, passed away in Lisbon, where the Ismaili Imamat is headquartered, at the age of 88 on February 4th.
On February 5th, his son Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini was named the 50th hereditary Imam, or spiritual leader, in accordance with his father’s will.
The title Aga Khan, which originates from Turkish and Persian words, translates to “commanding chief,” and signifies his role as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, according to Ismaili beliefs.
He is considered to be descended from the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali, the first Imam, and Ali’s wife Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.
The Ismaili Muslim community, a branch of Shi’ite Islam, consists of approximately 15 million followers living in Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America.
Founded in 1967, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) employs 80,000 people to oversee international development projects focused on constructing schools and hospitals, as well as providing electricity to millions across some of the world’s most impoverished regions in Africa and Asia.
Aga Khan IV also upheld his family’s long-standing tradition in thoroughbred racing and breeding.
His stables and jockeys, wearing his emerald-green silk racing uniform, achieved major successes in international derby events.
The New Arab via Reuters
