His body was repatriated to Assouan, Egypt, on February 10, 2025, for burial at the mausoleum of his ancestors, a significant site for the Ismaili community.

Karim married Sarah Frances Croker Poole in 1969, and their son, Rahim Al-Hussaini, has succeeded him as the 50th Imam, Aga Khan V.

Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismailis, passed away in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.

Karim Aga Khan IV celebrated his diamond jubilee in 2018, marking 60 years as imam, and maintained strong ties with the British royal family.

During the regime of Idi Amin in Uganda, he facilitated the immigration of displaced Ismailis to Canada and other countries.

Karim became the 49th imam at age 20 in 1957, following the passing of his father, Prince Aly Khan, and was known for his philanthropic efforts focused on education and development within the Ismaili community.

Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network emerged as the largest private development network globally, known for initiatives like the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

He established the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Education Services, aiming to modernize the community and promote access to education, particularly for girls.

He was laid to rest at a mausoleum built by his grandfather on the banks of the Nile, which has become a pilgrimage site for Ismailis.

Under his leadership, the Aga Khan dynasty became one of the wealthiest royal families globally, with an estimated fortune of over 13 billion euros.

His ascension was notable as he was the second son in the lineage to be bypassed, with the family tracing their descent from Prophet Muhammad.

Karim's personal life included two marriages; he divorced his first wife in 1995 and later married Gabriele Renate Homey.