His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan: A Legacy Beyond Faith

When I think of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, I don’t just see him as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims—I see him as a global visionary, a philanthropist, a leader who transcended religious boundaries, and quite simply, a legend. His passing has been a moment of deep reflection, not only for the millions who followed him spiritually but for anyone who recognizes the sheer scale of his impact. The institutions he founded, the communities he uplifted, and the legacy he leaves behind are nothing short of extraordinary. What he achieved in one lifetime is what most nations or dynasties strive to accomplish over generations.

To me, he was always more than just a religious leader. He was a symbol of sophistication, wisdom, and humanitarianism. Even as a child, I was in awe of him—not just because of his global influence but because of the kind of reverence he commanded from people of all walks of life. And despite the grandeur of his status, what made him truly remarkable was that his impact was deeply personal. I, like many others, have distinct memories of moments when I got a chance to see him, to be near him, and to witness firsthand the effect he had on people.?

A Childhood Memory: A Convocation Unlike Any Other?

One of my earliest and most vivid memories of His Highness was when I attended a convocation at the Aga Khan University & Hospital in Karachi. My parents and I went not just because it was a prestigious academic event, but because it was an opportunity to see him in person. Even though I am not a practicing Ismaili, for me, he was a celebrity. The kind of person?whose presence alone made an event historic. I remember the anticipation as we sat in the audience, waiting for him to arrive.?

And then, there he was.?

The room, filled with dignitaries and academics, suddenly felt electric. His presence carried an aura of grace and authority that was difficult to describe. He had a way of making people feel both at ease and in awe of him at the same time. I remember watching him speak—his words measured, his demeanor composed. He spoke not just as a leader but as a thinker, someone who deeply understood the value of education, healthcare, and long-term progress. That day, I realized that leadership wasn’t just about power or influence; it was about the ability to inspire, to build, and to leave something behind that outlasts one’s own lifetime.

Waiting for a Glimpse: The Excitement of His Visits to Karachi?

His visits to Karachi were nothing short of historic events. Whenever he came to the city for Deedar, the excitement was palpable. The entire Ismaili community would come alive with energy, and even those outside the faith couldn’t help but be drawn into the moment. I remember standing outside my apartment building, along with my grandmother, my family, and our neighbors, waiting just to get a glimpse of him.?

The anticipation built for hours. Security was always tight, with snipers stationed on rooftops, police personnel lining the streets, and a motorcade that was meticulously planned. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, whispers of when his car might arrive, and the occasional false alarm that sent waves of excitement through the crowd. And then, in an instant, it would happen—his car would pass by, his face visible for mere seconds.

That was it.?

A fleeting moment, a mere 30-second glimpse, but one that made hours of waiting completely worth it. The collective joy, the cheers, the sense of unity in those moments were unforgettable. It was not just about seeing a leader; it was about witnessing history in motion.?

A Personal Role in His Visit?

One of my most personal experiences with His Highness came when he visited Karachi again after many years. This time, he was scheduled to give multiple Deedars, and the institution had decided to create a private room for him to rest during the day in the Jamat Khana. I was part of the committee responsible for setting up that space.?

At the time, it felt like just another task—arranging furniture, ensuring the environment was perfect, following specific guidelines for his comfort. But in retrospect, I realize what an honor it was. I was contributing, even in a small way, to something far greater. I was helping to create a?space for a man whose work had transformed nations, whose vision had uplifted communities, and whose institutions had provided education, healthcare, and opportunities to millions.?

It is rare in life to be able to say that you played even the smallest role in the story of a legend. And yet, that experience gave me just that—a personal connection, however minor, to someone whose impact will be felt for generations.?

A Legacy That Transcends Borders and Beliefs?

Over the past few days, I have followed his funeral, his burial, and the overwhelming tributes pouring in from around the world. I have read articles, watched reports, and reflected on his life—not because of religious ties, but because of the sheer magnitude of what he built.?

His Highness was not just a spiritual leader—he was an architect of progress. The institutions he founded—the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Aga Khan University, University of Central Asia, Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and Aga Khan Education Services—have had an immeasurable impact on millions of lives.?

Think about what that means.?

Each one of these organizations serves a critical purpose. Education, healthcare, culture, economic empowerment—his vision encompassed every pillar necessary for a strong, sustainable society. He did not just build institutions; he built ecosystems. His work was not about charity; it was about self-sufficiency, about giving people the tools to change their own lives.?

His focus on education, in particular, is something I deeply admire. The Aga Khan University, one of the premier institutions in Pakistan and beyond, is a testament to his belief that knowledge is the foundation of progress. Likewise, his commitment to cultural preservation through the Aga Khan Trust for Culture shows his understanding that development is not just about economics but about identity, heritage, and pride.?

His philosophy was simple yet profound: progress should be holistic, inclusive, and long-term. And the proof of his success is in the fact that his institutions will continue to serve people for generations to come.?

It is difficult to put into words what His Highness meant to so many people. He was a leader, a builder, a philanthropist, and a visionary. But more than that, he was proof that one person, with the right vision and determination, can change the world. His life’s work was dedicated to improving the lives of others, and in a world where so many leaders focus on power, wealth, and self-interest, he stood apart.?

His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy is eternal. It will live on in the universities he built, in the hospitals he founded, in the cultures he preserved, and in the millions of lives he touched.?

For me, he will always remain a figure of immense admiration—someone I was lucky enough to see, even if only for a few fleeting moments in Karachi. A man who left the world better than he found it. A man who, in every sense of the word, was a legend.?

- Zain Moosa?