Prince Karim al-Hussaini, known as Aga Khan IV, was the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims and a prominent global philanthropist, business magnate, and spiritual leader. Born on December 13, 1936, he led the Ismaili community for over six decades, from 1957 until his passing on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
Throughout his lifetime, he played a crucial role in promoting Islamic culture, developing communities worldwide, and expanding humanitarian efforts through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Aga Khan IV was considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad and was globally recognized for his work in education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and economic development. He was also one of the world’s wealthiest spiritual leaders, leaving behind a net worth of approximately $13.3 billion.
In this article, we will explore Aga Khan IV’s net worth, age, height, weight, career, family, relationships, early life, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.
Aga Khan IV Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prince Karim al-Hussaini |
| Stage Name | Aga Khan IV |
| Profession | Imam, Philanthropist, Businessman |
| Hometown | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Nationality | British, Swiss |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1936 |
| Age (at death) | 88 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Death | February 4, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Religion | Islam (Ismaili Shia) |
| Net Worth | $13.3 Billion |
Early Life and Career
Early Life & Education
Aga Khan IV was born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was the son of Prince Aly Khan and Joan Yarde-Buller, a British socialite. His grandfather, Aga Khan III (Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah), was the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims and a significant political and spiritual figure.
He spent much of his early life in Nairobi, Kenya, and later pursued education at Harvard University, where he studied Islamic history. However, his studies were interrupted in 1957 when his grandfather passed away, naming him the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims at the young age of 20.
Spiritual Leadership
Upon his appointment as the Imam, Aga Khan IV took on the responsibility of guiding his followers both spiritually and materially. Unlike his father, who lived a more flamboyant lifestyle, he was chosen due to his modern education and understanding of the evolving world.
Over the next six decades, he led the Ismaili community across 30 countries, establishing numerous institutions to uplift communities, including:
- Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
- Aga Khan Foundation
- Aga Khan University
- Aga Khan Health Services
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture
His leadership helped in advancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities worldwide.
Philanthropy & Development Work
Aga Khan IV was instrumental in launching several humanitarian and development projects, primarily through AKDN, which operates in over 30 countries. Some of his notable contributions include:
- Establishing hospitals, universities, and schools in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
- Funding disaster relief efforts in war-torn regions.
- Promoting Islamic architecture and cultural preservation.
Business Ventures
Apart from his religious and philanthropic work, Aga Khan IV was a successful businessman. He had major investments in:
- Horse breeding & racing – owning some of the world’s most prestigious racehorses.
- Luxury properties – including estates in France, Switzerland, and Kenya.
- The tourism industry – owning a private island in the Bahamas and a luxury yacht club in Sardinia.
Family and Relationships
Aga Khan IV was married twice and had four children.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | Prince Aly Khan |
| Mother | Joan Yarde-Buller |
| First Wife | Princess Salimah Aga Khan (m. 1969–1995) |
| Second Wife | Gabriele Thyssen (Princess Inaara Aga Khan) (m. 1998–2014) |
| Son | Prince Rahim Aga Khan |
| Son | Prince Hussain Aga Khan |
| Son | Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan |
| Daughter | Princess Zahra Aga Khan |
Physical Appearance
Aga Khan IV had a distinguished presence with a commanding yet warm personality. His tall stature, well-groomed appearance, and refined fashion sense made him an influential figure worldwide.
| Physical Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | None |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Aga Khan IV was among the wealthiest religious leaders, leaving behind a fortune estimated at $13.3 billion. His wealth was accumulated from family inheritance, business ventures, and investments.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $13.3 Billion |
| Primary Source | Family Inheritance |
| Horse Breeding & Racing | Owned some of the world’s finest racehorses |
| Luxury Real Estate | Properties in France, Switzerland, and Kenya |
| Private Yacht Club | Exclusive yacht club in Sardinia |
| Private Island | Owned in the Bahamas |
| Charitable Trusts | AKDN & Aga Khan Foundation |
Despite his wealth, he was not known for lavish personal spending, as most of his income was reinvested into philanthropic activities.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He was granted the title “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.
- He left Harvard University to assume the role of Imam at just 20 years old.
- His grandfather chose him as his successor, bypassing his own son (Aly Khan).
- Aga Khan Foundation is one of the largest private development networks in the world.
- He was an avid horse breeder, with many of his horses winning prestigious races.
- He founded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, promoting Islamic architectural excellence.
- Despite his wealth, his personal finances were kept separate from religious donations.
- He was a British citizen, but also held Swiss nationality.
- He owned a private island in the Bahamas.
- His organization, AKDN, operates in over 30 countries, assisting millions.
FAQs About Aga Khan IV
Q: What was Aga Khan IV’s net worth?
A: As of 2025, his estimated net worth was $13.3 billion.
Q: What was Aga Khan IV’s primary source of wealth?
A: His wealth came from family inheritance, investments, horse breeding, and real estate.
Q: Who will be the next Aga Khan?
A: The successor is yet to be officially announced.
Q: Did Aga Khan IV own a private island?
A: Yes, he owned a private island in the Bahamas.
Q: When did Aga Khan IV die?
A: He passed away on February 4, 2025.
Conclusion
Aga Khan IV was an extraordinary leader, philanthropist, and businessman. His legacy of community development, Islamic cultural preservation, and global humanitarian work will continue to impact millions for generations.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
