Mawlana Shah Karim (Agha khan) was laid to rest on Sunday February 9, 2025 at a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. Mawlana Hazar Imam and his family were present, with senior leaders of the Jamat.
The Governor of Aswan facilitated and participated in a dignified procession through the city to the banks of the River Nile. Mawlana Shah Karim’s casket was transferred by boat in a ceremonial crossing to the mausoleum of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah. The janaza (casket) was carried by hand to the hilltop mausoleum, where Shah Karim’s (Agha khan) body was interred.
After the ceremony, leaders present had the opportunity to express condolences to the family, and the Governor of Aswan presented Mawlana Hazar Imam with a symbolic key to the City of Aswan as a mark of respect.
A new mausoleum for Mawlana Shah Karim will be constructed as his final resting place on land adjacent to the existing structure.
Egypt was the centre of the Fatimid Caliphate, which was governed by Ismaili Imams during the 10th and 11th centuries. The Fatimid Imam-Caliphs founded the city of Cairo, a major centre of learning, culture, and trade. Their support of pluralism, education and the arts led to a series of advancements in science, architecture, and philosophy, and their legacy can be observed today in the rich history and culture of the region.
Aswan is the final resting place of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah and his wife, Mata Salamat, both of whom enjoyed warm relations with the people of Aswan.
This relationship was sustained by Mawlana Shah Karim through the continuation of the development work of the Om Habibeh Foundation and later the Aga Khan Foundation.
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah’s mausoleum, constructed from limestone featuring a central dome with arched windows, is a landmark in Aswan. Its elegant architecture blends elements of traditional Islamic design with Mughal and Persian influencers.
[The late Agha Khan 1V. Photo/courtesy/Ismaili community].
The Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20. Since taking on his role in 1957, he has dedicated his efforts to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations, while emphasizing the view of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith. One that teaches compassion and tolerance and that upholds human dignity.
