Prepared by MALIK MERCHANT

Barakah has compiled an extensive post of tributes to Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan, from around the world. Many of the compiled tributes were posted on the social media pages of world leaders, institutions, media and individuals. This page is a dedicated resource for our readers of government and institutional leaders in Canada who posted their tributes and condolences on their websites. It is a centralized platform for these tributes and will be updated when we receive information about tributes that are not shared on social media.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
(click on the above link to read the statement at source)

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on February 5, 2025, issued the following statement on the passing o His Highness the Aga Khan:

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan. A celebrated leader, His Highness was an inspiration to many. He was also a dear friend to my father as well as to me and my family. In truth, he was a friend to all Canadians, and to everyone who dreams of a more peaceful world.

“His Highness dedicated his life to compassion and prosperity for all. Through his initiatives in education, health care, and economic development. Through his advocacy for building bridges between communities and helping those most marginalized, especially women and girls. Through his steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Respected and beloved internationally, His Highness was an honorary Canadian citizen and honorary Companion of the Order of Canada. His connection to our country will live on through the Global Centre for Pluralism, the charitable organization inspired by the Aga Khan’s efforts to build a better, kinder world. His Highness’ legacy will also live on through the Toronto-based Aga Khan Museum, North America’s first museum dedicated exclusively to Islamic arts.

“I join millions of Ismaili Muslims, including communities in Canada, to mourn his loss. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer our deepest condolences to the Aga Khan’s family and friends, and to followers of His Highness in Canada and around the world.”

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STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP ANNE GERMOND, THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
(click on the above link to read the statement at source)

By ARCHIBISHOP ANNE GERMOND ON FEBRUARY 5, 2025

To the Ismaili Shia Muslim community, and all people of peace,

As we join with many in mourning the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan, I extend on behalf of the Anglican Church of Canada our deepest condolences to his family and to our Ismaili Muslim neighbours here in Canada and all over the world. The loss of such a visionary, compassionate and generous spiritual and philanthropic leader will be deeply felt.

The connections of the Aga Khan to Canada and to our churches have been significant. I think with particularly fond memory to 2013, when he was awarded an honourary Doctor of Sacred Letters degree from Trinity College at the University of Toronto for his decades of service to humanity. I also reflect on the many opportunities that Anglican Christians have had to engage in dialogue and partnership with Ismaili Muslims in cities and communities across this country and opportunities to be inspired by the Aga Khan’s example of commitment to interreligious understanding as a path to justice and peace.

May the faith that inspired His Highness’ extraordinary contributions continue to sustain and guide you in this difficult time. We add our prayers to yours and grieve with you.

Archbishop Anne Germond
Acting Primate, Anglican Church of Canada

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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY MOURNS THE PASSING OF THE AGA KHAN
(click on the above link to read the statement at source)

It is with great sadness that the University of Calgary joins the world in mourning the loss of His Highness, the Aga Khan, who was recognized as the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims and considered to be the direct descendent of the Prophet Muhammad. Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, who became the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims at the age of 20, died on Feb. 4, 2025, in Portugal at the age of 88 — READ MORE

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STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HIS HIGHNESS, THE AGA KHAN IV FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
(click on the above link to read the statement at source)

With deep sorrow, we join the University of Alberta community and the world in mourning the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

The Aga Khan was a tremendous supporter of post-secondary education and a valued friend of the University of Alberta. As an Honorary Degree recipient and through partnerships with the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Development Network, he helped advance education and global development. The Aga Khan Garden, Alberta, was gifted by His Highness the Aga Khan to the University of Alberta and opened in 2018, a lasting symbol of our shared commitment to knowledge, culture, and collaboration.

We extend our deepest condolences to His Highness’s family and the global Ismaili community. His legacy of leadership and service will continue to inspire us.

Nizar J. Somji, Chancellor
Bill Flanagan, President and Vice-Chancellor

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THE AGA KHAN REMEMBERED IN CANADA AND AROUND THE WORLD
(click on the above link to read the statement at source)

University of Toronto News, February 5, 2025.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, known around the world as His Highness the Aga Khan, is being remembered as a man of vision, faith and incredible generosity – and for an extraordinary life of service. In 2013, Trinity College awarded the Aga Khan an honorary degree for his service to humanity, including global efforts to “improve the health, education and living conditions of the poorest people of the world by empowering them to achieve self-reliance.”

“His encouragement of pluralism and dialogue among all races and religions, and the global institutional framework he has established in many troubled areas of the world to further these goals and provide education and health services through the Aga Khan Development Network, is an inspiration to us all,” said the late Bill Graham, who was then the college’s chancellor.

“Countless Canadians have benefited from His Highness’s contributions to our country and have participated in his endeavours to improve the lives of the less fortunate around the world,” Shafique Virani, an associate professor of historical studies at U of T Mississauga, told the CBC. “He will be deeply missed.”

Date posted: February 7, 2025.
Last updated: February 21, 2025.

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