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The Conversation
Shariq Siddiqui, Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies, Indiana University

Who are Ismaili Muslims and how do their beliefs relate to the Aga Khan’s work?

Aga Khan the Aga Khan the Prophet Muhammad United States Muslim Abu Bakr Fatima the Aga Khan Development Network
Prince Karim Aga Khan at an event on Oct. 2, 2019, in London. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Feb. 4, 2025, served as the religious leader of Ismaili Muslims around the world since being appointed as the 49th hereditary imam in 1957. He came to be known around the world for his enormous work on global development issues and other philanthropic work.

The Ismaili community considers the imam a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Ismaili Muslims are considered to be a branch of Shiite Islam. They constitute the second-largest community within the Shiite sect.

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