Shah Karim, also known simply as the Aga Khan (Imamate: 1957-present), is the leader of the Shi’a sect known as the Nizari Ismailis. The Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam, with lineage descending back to Ali, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. He is only the fourth Aga Khan, a hereditary title bestowed upon the Imam by the Shah of Persia in the mid-nineteenth century.
Hereditary Leader of Ismailis
The Aga Khan derives his position of authority from his lineage. At the age of 21 the Aga Khan bypassed his father and uncle to become the 49th Imam, a choice that his grandfather made because he felt the community needed a leader ‘who has been brought up and developed during recent years and in the midst of the new age, and who brings a new outlook on life to his office.’
Unparalleled Philanthropist
The Aga Khan set up the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which is a collection of development and humanitarian agencies working in areas of poverty. The network is widely known for its architectural and cultural work, including projects that revitalize historic cities (e.g. the Old City of Aleppo and the Al Azhar Park in Cairo). The Aga Khan’s foundation maintains a strong and enduring presence in developing countries—building health care capacity, promoting economic development in rural areas and helping improve educational opportunities.
En un comunicado, el Aga Khan IV -Shah Karim al-Hussayni, quien es el líder espiritual del Ismailismo, una comunidad chií- se ha mostrado encantado de anunciar el compromiso de su heredero. La propia novia manifestó a través de las redes sociales que ...and more »
The Arab Spring events have not significantly affected the influence of the Aga Khan.
Citizen of: France
Birth: 13 December 1936 (Age: 76)
Source of Influence: Administration of Religious Affairs, Philanthropy, Charity & Development
Influence: Leader of 5–15 milllion Nizari Ismailis
School of Thought: ismaili, Modernist Shi’a, Nizari
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