“The question is not only, what have I achieved? Rather the question is, what have I helped others to achieve?”
Shah Karim al-Hussaini, better known as Aga Khan IV, was the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims. He passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. He was born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, and assumed his role as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957, at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather Sultan Muhammad Shah, the founding father of the All-India Muslim League in 1906. Aga Khan IV was a direct descendant of Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is important to note that the Ismaili sect emerged after separating from the Shia mainstream in the 8th century following the death of Imam Jaffar Sadiq (AS).
The office of spiritual leadership has now been ascended by his eldest son, Shah Rahim al-Hussaini (Aga Khan V). His steadfast endeavors in education, health, climate change prevention, and cultural heritage preservation are remarkable and cannot be neglected.
Humanitarian Work and Global Contributions
In addition to his spiritual role, Aga Khan IV was globally renowned for his humanitarian work. He was actively involved in Pakistan’s development for over 68 years, focusing on the improvement of the quality of life, particularly in rural areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. His institutions and networks in Pakistan are extensive and influential.
Aga Khan IV was a beacon of light who illuminated humanity through his services in providing quality education. His unwavering commitment to offering education regardless of caste, creed, or religion is undeniable. One of the premier institutions he established is the Aga Khan University, founded in 1983, which offers programs in MBBS, nursing, health sciences, arts, and social sciences, yielding highly qualified graduates. Simultaneously, the Aga Khan Education Service operates over two hundred schools in Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Sindh, where the government has been lagging.
Healthcare Contributions
Furthermore, Aga Khan’s enduring efforts to improve healthcare facilities serve as another example of his services to humankind. He established the Aga Khan University Hospital in 1985 to provide quality healthcare. His healthcare services are not limited to Karachi; the Aga Khan Health Service provides health facilities to millions of people through a network of hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art technology in the northern areas of Pakistan.
Environmental Advocacy
Aga Khan’s foresight was evident in his significant role in preventing climate change degradation through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). His efforts to reduce disaster risks and promote climate change adaptation have been prominent in remote areas of northern Pakistan. The Aga Khan Development Habitat (AKDH) has identified various hazardous areas to mitigate risk and safeguard communities.
Cultural Heritage Preservation
His contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) are also noteworthy. AKTC restored the 11th-century Altit Fort and the 13th-century Baltit Fort in Karimabad, Hunza. Other restoration projects include the Shalimar Garden, the Thatta Mosque, and the Peshawar Museum in Punjab, Sindh, and KPK, respectively. The list of his cultural contributions is extensive, and these sites attract thousands of tourists annually, indirectly providing a source of income for local communities.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Finally, although the world referred to him as a philanthropist, Aga Khan IV himself never embraced this title. He believed that working for humanity was the essence of Islam and that, as a spiritual leader, it was his responsibility to work for the betterment of society and the upliftment of individuals, regardless of their religion. The eyes of every disciple of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims are now on his son, Shah Rahim al-Hussaini (Aga Khan V), to continue the legacy of his father and advance society in the same spirit.
