On February 4, the Aga Khan IV died at age 88. His death made the news and some Canadians are aware of him because he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have a personal friendship which had been reported on in the media. In addition, others may know of him because he has established some impressive institutions in Canada including the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Photo Credit: By Canmenwalker – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=122432532
However, many Canadians are likely unsure who he is or even what the title means. Below let’s explore this leader of a small but influential Muslim sect.
Aga Khan IV. Photo Credit: By Gorup de Besanez – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=159132107
The Ismaili Sect in Islam
After Muslim founder Prophet Muhammad died, there was disagreement over who should succeed him. This disagreement lingered and festered until eventually turning into a rupture between the Sunnis (the larger group) and the Shi’a (the smaller group). The Shi’a believed leadership should pass to Muhammad’s closest male relative (his son-in-law Ali) and stay in the family perpetually. The dominant Sunnis believed it should pass to other leaders of the community.
The Shi’a continued to look to Muhammad’s descendants for guidance which eventually created further splits over time as disagreements arose when leaders died as to which son should be the new leader.
The largest Shi’a group, called the Twelvers, dominate Iran. The Ismaili Muslims are the second largest Shi’a sect.
Ismaili Lion, calligraphic composition, Persia, 19th/20th century. Photo Credit: By Unknown author – https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/arts-of-the-islamic-world-india-including-fine-rugs-and-carpets/a-calligraphic-composition-in-the-form-of-a-lion, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123929456
The Aga Khan
The Aga Khan is the Ismaili leader and, by definition, a direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad.
The “Aga Khan” title however emerged much more recently when, in the 19th century, it was bestowed by an Iranian king to the then-Ismaili leader. It translates as the supreme master or commanding lord (of the community).
The Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. Photo Credit: By Citing – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21007615
The Transformation of the Aga Khan and the Ismaili Community
In his book Shi’i Islam, Najam Haider explains how over time, the Ismaili communities, spread over vast countries, developed local traditions and practices and somewhat lost touch with one another. Their leader in Iran was acknowledged but was a symbolic leader with little influence in the daily lives of Ismailis in India, Africa, and elsewhere.
In the 19th century, a series of three successive Aga Khans (numbers I-III) worked to regain active leadership of these disparate communities. Without going too deep into the weeds, they travelled to these communities, sometimes had to make the case that their leadership should be recognized, and tried to harmonize religious practice and devotion to be consistent while also bringing resources to help these communities develop economically and educationally. These Aga Khans also at times allied with the British in India which paid dividends in terms of having a voice that was heard.
The result of all this was to:
- Create a truly transnational Ismaili community under the Aga Khan’s leadership;
- Allow the Aga Khan to advocate for liberal values of toleration, pluralism, women’s rights and economic development; and
- Made the Aga Khan a diplomatic and international actor.
Shi’i Islam: An Introduction by Najam Haider Photo Credit: Book cover from Amazon.com
Today
The Aga Khan IV spent nearly 70 years as the Ismaili leader (from 1957-2025). It should be noted that you will find criticism of him online as well as, in addition to being a religious leader, he was also a businessman (owning hotels, race horses, media entities, etc.) and was one of the world’s wealthiest people.
The Ismaili community remains committed to economic development around the world. In the West, the community appears to be quite well-educated and well-represented in leadership positions in society. Many continue to promote goals of justice and equality including founding organizations like the Noor Cultural Centre in Toronto.
In Canada, the most prominent organizations are associated with the Aga Khan IV himself including:
- The Aga Khan Foundation, based out of Switzerland, but with a major office in Canada. The Foundation partners with organizations like Global Affairs Canada, USAID and other organizations to promote projects addressing poverty, hunger, illiteracy, lack of economic development, etc.
- The Global Centre for Pluralism, located in Ottawa, that advocates for pluralism with policy makers, educators, and community leaders. The Centre was founded as a partnership with the Canadian government under PM Stephen Harper. (Encounter has communicated with the Global Centre and been impressed by them.)
- The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto which celebrates Islamic art and culture. Encounter has taken attendees there and the range of art and artifacts is impressive. Religions are more than doctrines but thick cultural systems which you get a sense of here. The Museum regularly hosts excellent speakers addressing topics around culture, history and society.
The Aga Khan IV has been succeeded by his son Prince Rahim, now the Aga Khan V. Born in 1971, the new Aga Khan will have the opportunity to use his influence to lead this Muslim community and the many organizations and offices it has around the world.
Aga Khan V. Photo Credit: Board of Trustee photo of Prince Rahim Aga Khan, University of Central Asia, https://ucentralasia.org/about/governance-and-leadership/board-of-trustees/prince-rahim-aga-khan
