Who is His Highness the Aga Khan?
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, the first Imam, and Imam Ali’s wife Fatima (the Prophet's daughter). He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
His Highness the Aga Khan assumed the hereditary office of Imamat, on 11 July, 1957 at the age of 20 following the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
What is the role of the Imam?
In Islam’s ethical tradition, religious leaders not only interpret the faith but also have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life of their community and the societies among which they live. For His Highness, this has meant a deep engagement with the concerns of the developing world and efforts to improve living conditions and opportunities for over 60 years through the agencies of the AKDN.
Who are Ismaili Muslims?
The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. The Shia form one of the two major interpretations of Islam, the Sunni being the other. The Ismailis live in over 25 different countries, mainly in Central and South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, North America and Australia, and number approximately 12 to 15 million. The Ismailis are thus a transnational community who are responsible citizens of the countries where they live and throughout their 1,400-year history, the Ismailis have been led by a living, hereditary Imam.
