Husseini, known as Aga Khan IV, passed away on February 4, 2025, at 88, after serving as the 49th imam of Nizari Ismaili Muslims for more than 67 years.

His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family. Prince Karim Aga Khan… pic.twitter.com/bxOyR0TyZr

At the age of 20, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini inherited the reins of a Shia Muslim lineage and used his entrepreneurship to become one of the world’s richest hereditary rulers.

The Aga Khan IV then took control of the Thoroughbred operation in 1960 following the death of his father. He earned France's leading owner title in his first year at the helm, and success followed in the years to come with names like Blushing Groom,

“Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, as designated by his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in accordance with historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition,” read a communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.

Treated as a head of state, the Aga Khan was given the title of “His Highness” by the late Queen Elizabeth II in July 1957, two weeks after his grandfather the Aga Khan III unexpectedly made him heir to the family’s 1,300-year dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect.

The Aga Khan, one of a golden age of owner-breeders for European racing, has died at the age of 88. Best known for his association with the great Shergar, he amassed 168 Group One winners over the course of his time in racing.

Rahim Al-Hussaini was named Wednesday as the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father.

He was widely regarded as a builder of bridges between Muslim societies and the West despite his reticence to become involved in politics.