Introduced, compiled and prepared by MALIK MERCHANT
Publisher-Editor, Barakah, Simerg and Simergphotos
In the spring of 2021, Barakah began celebrating the birthdays of Mawlana Shah Karim’s family members by publishing photos and narratives reflecting their hard work, passion and commitment to making this world a better place to live, and their incredible dedication to the work of the Imamat. We commenced our tribute with Prince Hussain (b. April 10, 1974) as he celebrated his 47th birthday, and followed that with pieces on Prince Rahim (b. October 12, 1971) and his children, Prince Irfan (b. April 11, 2015) and Prince Sinan (January 2, 2017), Prince Amyn (b. September 12, 1937) Princess Zahra (b. September 18, 1970), and Princess Yasmin (b. December 28, 1949).
This special post on Prince Aly Muhammad was first published on the auspicious occasion of his 22nd birthday, March 7, 2022. We continued with updates on his 23rd and 24th birthdays, March 7, 2023, and 2024, and we are now here with the latest update reflecting Prince Aly Muhammad’s Imamat-related activities up to and including the celebration of his 25th birthday on March 7, 2025. He is the youngest son of Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4, 2025.
Belated as it may be — due to events following Mawlana Shah Karim’s death — Prince Aly Muhammad has been in our hearts and thoughts. We convey our sincerest and heartfelt greetings to Prince Aly Muhammad and wish him success and happiness in all his endeavours as he continues his services to the Imam-of-the-Time, now his older brother, Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam.
Note: All textual references and captions to stories posted below before February 5, 2025, with Mawlana Hazar Imam or His Highness the Aga Khan refer to Mawlana Shah Karim, the 49th Imam, and stories after February 4 refer to Mawlana Shah Rahim, the 50th Imam.
March 7, 2000: Birth of Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan
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April 2015: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan Accompanies Mawlana Hazar Imam to the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad, and Heritage Sites
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, visited the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad on April 10, 2015, on a working visit to review the school’s progress. Mawlana Hazar Imam was accompanied by his son, Prince Aly Muhammad, his daughter Princess Zahra and her children Sara and Iliyan. The visit allowed Mawlana Hazar Imam to assess progress since his last visit in September 2013, when the school was formally inaugurated. While at the Academy, Mawlana Hazar Imam toured the campus, including the Athletics Centre, the Junior and Senior Schools, and the student residences. Together with members of his family, he met and interacted with teachers, staff and students.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam, accompanied by members of his family, also toured the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, reviewing photographs, restoration plans, and the progress of work to date. They also toured Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi.
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July 2017: Inauguration of the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam
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October 2017: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan Visits Pakistan
Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan arrived in Pakistan on October 9, 2017, to visit projects of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the north of the country. The trip enhanced his understanding of issues related to the built environment, natural hazard mitigation, health, education, culture, and rural development — all areas where the AKDN with its partners are actively engaged to improve the quality of life. During his weeklong visit, Prince Aly Muhammad met with numerous families whose quality of life has been enhanced by the Network. From this trip, the Prince then wrote, directed and narrated a documentary July 2018.
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March 2018: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Hosts His Highness the Aga Khan at Windsor Castle
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II hosted a dinner at Windsor Castle on March 7, 2018, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam. He was accompanied by Prince Amyn, Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Princess Salwa, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad.
The event acknowledged the historic linkages between the Ismaili Imamat and the British Monarchy and the longstanding connections between the Ismaili Community and the United Kingdom. In 1957, upon his accession as the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, Mawlana Hazar Imam was bestowed the title ‘His Highness’ by Her Majesty the Queen, a gesture of profound respect.
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June 2018: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan at World Partnership Walk Toronto
On June 17, 2018, Prince Aly Muhammad gave an opening speech at Pecaut Square, Toronto , for the 34th annual World Partnership Walk, organized by the Aga Khan Foundation, which raised over Can$ 6 million. Prince Aly Muhammad’s presence energized the crowd of walkers and volunteers. The walkers were delighted to see him walking the route, engaging in conversation along the way and acknowledging the contribution of all those in attendance to improve the lives of marginalized communities worldwide. Prince Aly Muhammad spoke eloquently about the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, and his trip to Pakistan that had taken place in October 2017, after which he produced a documentary Close to Home on the impact of climate change on the region’s vulnerable communities.
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July 2018: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan at the Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Lisbon
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November 2018: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan Visits the Naryn Campus of the University of Central Asia
Prince Aly Muhammad made a five-day visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, during which he visited the Naryn campus of the University of Central Asia (UCA). Prince Aly Muhammad spent time with Naryn students to understand their backgrounds and aspirations. “I was deeply inspired by the students and faculty I had the opportunity to meet during this trip. Getting to know so many talented students and learning more about the UCA’s mission has been exciting and deeply rewarding,” explained Prince Aly.
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As part of his ongoing work, Prince Aly Muhammad also plans to build on his first film, Close to Home, which was well-received and garnered significant attention. “I was touched by the enthusiastic response to my first project, including at the World Partnership Walk in Toronto and the Jubilee Arts International Film Festival in Lisbon,” he said. “I plan to continue adding to the Close to Home series in the hope that these films will help shed light on issues that I believe are important to young people today.”
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June 2019: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan Visits Tajikistan
The website Asiaplus reported that on June 25, 2019 Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan arrived in Khorog, the capital of Tajikistan’s Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) for his first ever visit to Tajikistan. During his visit, Prince Aly Muhammad visited the Khorog Campus of the University of Central Asia (UCA).
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2020: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan Releases Film Al-Khimyah
In 2020, Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan released the feature length documentary “Al-Khimyah” (see review) which explores the work of the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme in Cairo. This is part of the Prince’s Close to Home Series and shines a spotlight on the 30-hectare Al-Azhar Park — converted from a mound of rubble — and the stories of local residents of the adjacent al-Darb al-Ahmar neighbourhood.
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May 2021: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan Attends Virtual Global Convocation of the Aga Khan University
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June 28, 2022: Prince Aly Muhammad IN iMAMAT Delegation to UN Ocean Conference
The official website of the Ismaili Muslim community, the Ismaili reported on June 28, 2022 that an Ismaili Imamat delegation led by Prince Rahim attended the Ocean Conference in Lisbon at the invitation of the United Nations (UN). Representing the Ismaili Imamat, Prince Rahim was accompanied by Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad, and senior AKDN leaders.
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July 8, 2022: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan and family members attend Open Air-Concert at Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle
In its issue dated July 22, 2022, The Ismaili reported that on July 8, Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad attended a special open-air concert by the Aga Khan Master Musicians at Lisbons’s spectacular São Jorge Castle. The concert came about via a partnership between the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, the Aga Khan Music Programme, and EGEAC, the agency responsible for cultural equipment and programming in Lisbon. The aim was to offer an evening of musical delights to citizens and visitors in Lisbon. The Aga Khan Master Musicians look forward to resuming their regular performance schedule and playing in unique venues and settings like the one in Lisbon. This one is after a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Distinguished guests to the live event, included President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Mayor of Lisbon Carlos Moedas, and Minister of Justice Catarina Sarmento e Castro.
Formed in 2016, the Aga Khan Master Musicians contribute to the work of the Aga Khan Music Programme (AKMP) and its mission to reinvigorate cultural pluralism and tolerance. They create music inspired by their own deep roots in the cultures of the Middle East, Mediterranean, South and Central Asia, and China. They were joined at the event by special Portuguese guests Ricardo Parreira, Marco Oliveira, and Vicente Magalhães – respected classical, jazz, and fado artists, respectively. The Master Musicians and guest artists combined to present an original body of work – this was the first time their unique combination of instruments appeared on the same stage.
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July 11, 2022: Mawlana Hazar Imam Celebrates Imamat Day with His Family
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December 18, 2022: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan at Ismaili Centre Lisbon’s Open House as it Celebrates 26th Anniversary of its Founding
On the weekend of December 17, 2022, the Ismaili Centre opened its doors to the public for a special Open House. This was a unique opportunity to gain insights into the aspirations and architectural influences that guided the design of the Centre and its gardens. Prince Aly Muhammad and the Mayor of Lisbon, Dr Carlos Moedas, graced the event, and they were offered an exclusive tour of the Centre.
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The delegation explored the Ismaili Centre’s main spaces, including the prayer hall. Throughout the tour, they engaged with the urban sketchers, a local group of artists performing live sketches in different areas of the Centre; interacted with the artists whose work was on display in the Exhibition Hall; and watched the Sarkosh family performing traditional Afghan music. The weekend was filled with a diverse range of performances, including the Ismaili Choir of Portugal, who performed well-known songs from the Portuguese and Indian cultures, and Irina, who presented the visitors with traditional dances from the Pamir region of Central Asia.
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December 5, 2022: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan attends 2022 Earthshot Prize Ceremony
On Friday, December 2, 2022, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales revealed the winners of the 2022 Earthshot Prize at a ceremony in Boston, USA. Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan attended the event on AKDN, a Founding Partner of the Global Alliance that supports the Prize. The Earthshot Prize was established by Prince William in 2020 to change the global discourse about climate and the environment from one of pessimism and gloom to one of optimism and hope. Five winners from India, Kenya, Australia, the United Kingdom and Oman shared the £1-million prize at the second annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony. The winners were selected from 15 finalists across five categories, representing an accomplished group of entrepreneurs and innovators spearheading ground-breaking solutions to our planet’s most significant environmental challenges.
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July 11, 2023: PRINCE ALY MUHAMMAD, PRINCE AMYN and PRINCE RAHIM WELCOME THE PORTUGUESE LEADERSHIP TO CELEBRATE MAWLANA Shah Karim’s 66TH IMAMAT DAY AT THE SEAT OF THE ISMAILI IMAMAT
On June 3, 2015, a landmark agreement was reached between Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Aga Khan, and the Portuguese Government to establish the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in the country. Palacete Mendonça in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, was acquired and chosen as the site for the Seat. On July 11, 2018, on the occasion of his 61st Imamat Day, bringing his historic Diamond Jubilee to a close in Lisbon, Mawlana Hazar Imam officially designated the building as the “Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.”
Five years later, on July 11, 2023, the 66th anniversary of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Imamat, The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat hosted a reception that was attended on his behalf by his younger brother Prince Amyn and two children Prince Rahim and Prince Aly Muhammad. They welcomed President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the country’s most senior leaders, including current and former Portuguese presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and mayors, who were offered a first look at the restored site of the Palacete Mendonça in Portugal’s capital.
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April 24, 2024 : Prince ALI MUHAMMAD AND PRINCE Rahim Aga Khan Host Community of Portuguese Language Countries at the Diwan of Ismaili Imamat
Prince Rahim and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan hosted Heads of State from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and their delegations at a reception at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat on April 24, 2024. Present with their delegations were Their Excellencies Presidents Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste (East Timor) and Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe. Other guests at the event included the President of Portugal’s Parliament, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and other senior state officials and diplomats. The President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal, Yasmin Bhudarally, and the Aga Khan Foundation leaders in Portugal also attended.
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July 27-29, 2024: Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad in India
(1) HYDERABAD
Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his younger brother, Prince Aly Muhammad, commenced their visit to India in Hyderabad on Saturday, July 27, 2024. There, they met the staff and students at the Aga Khan Hostel and Aga Khan Academy, forging personal connections with the students and staff. More than 90 students currently reside at the Aga Khan Hostel in Hyderabad, which serves as a home away from home and enables students to access quality schooling. Established in 1955, the all-boys hostel provides students with a safe residential environment alongside academic, co-curricular, and socio-emotional support.
The Deccan Chronicle reported that Sri Revanth Reddy, the Honourable Chief Minister of the State of Telangana, and Sri Jupally Krishna Rao, the State’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, performed the completion ceremony of the restoration of the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in the presence of Prince Rahim Aga Khan. Prince Rahim’s brother, Prince Aly Muhammad, was also in attendance.
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(2) MUMBAI
“It’s nice for my brother Aly and I to be here with you — it’s our first trip together to see projects and…we’re really happy to be here. Hazar Imam is going to be very happy to know that the institutions are doing great work here. We look forward to sharing what we’ve seen with him.” — Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Mumbai, July 28, 2024.
On July 28, 2024, the second day of their working visit to India, Prince Rahim and Prince Aly Muhammad attended a dinner hosted by the Ismaili institutions in Mumbai. Guests were treated to a unique musical rendition that combined classical and modern Indian styles, a graceful dance performance, and a poetic folk song from Afghanistan accompanied by traditional Persian instruments. The performing artists, representing different age groups, showcased the depth of artistic talent in the Jamat, emphasizing the inclusivity and value of every community member.
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The President of His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for India, Asif Porbanderwala, thanked the Princes for their visit and for their continuous efforts, support, and keen interest in the AKDN projects in several parts of the country.
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On the following day, July 29, Prince Rahim and Prince Aly Muhammad, before they departed for New Delhi for the inauguration ceremony of the Humayun Tomb World Heritage Site Museum, made a special visit to the Aga Hall Estate to review the progress of construction. Aga Hall is a revitalization project rooted in legacy. The site was initially established by Mawlana Hasan Ali Shah in the 1860s. It was also home to Mawlana Ali Shah and Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah. Over the years, it has witnessed Mumbai’s evolution into a thriving international hub while symbolizing the city’s historical roots.
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July 31 – August 3, 2024: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan in Gujarat, India
Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan travelled to Gujarat from July 31 to August 3, 2024, to work with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) in India on several projects, including solar-powered irrigation, community forestry, cooperative farming, youth skills development, enterprise creation, and youth employment. The trip followed his July visits to Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi with his older brother, Prince Rahim.
Like his father, Prince Aly Muhammad studied at Harvard and graduated in 2023. He joined the Aga Khan Foundation at the beginning of 2024 and works with AKF leadership on several thematic areas, focusing on economic pathways and youth engagement initiatives.
Prince Aly Muhammad held meetings with youth micro-entrepreneurs about expanding their businesses, upgrading their skills, and ways in which AKRSP can better support them. On the environment, a key focus is replicating solar-powered irrigation systems to expand the availability of clean energy, increase agricultural output, and improve sustainable water management.
The visit to the Netrang region in Gujarat came 35 years after Mawlana Hazar Imam first visited the area. Prince Aly Muhammad planted a tree in a micro forest a few steps from where Princess Zahra had also planted one 25 years ago. In India and elsewhere, AKDN’s Microforest Initiative works with communities to help plant diverse, rapidly growing small forests that produce both climate and economic benefits. Jamats in East Africa and South Asia partner with AKDN agencies on this type of work under Ismaili CIVIC.
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August 13 – 17, 2024: Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan in Nairobi, Kenya
Prince Aly Muhammad visited Nairobi, Kenya, from August 13-17, 2024, for work by the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) on regenerative agriculture. He was accompanied by his sister, Princess Theresa Zu Leiningen. The Maendeleo programme supports over 5,000 smallholder farmers in Kenya to reduce costs, increase yields, and improve health while safeguarding the natural environment. Prince Aly Muhammad also discussed AKF’s plans to boost household renewable energy use, foster youth enterprise, and take greater advantage of climate financing.
In addition, he visited East Africa Healthcare, a new pharmaceuticals company that, when commissioned, will positively impact health outcomes and add to economic growth in the region; Frigoken, a company-sponsored by AKFED and the largest export-oriented vegetable processing company in East Africa; and Diamond Trust Bank’s digital banking and sustainability work.
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February 4 -11, 2025: Prince ALY MUHAMMAD’S Father, Mawlana HAZAR IMAM, His Highness THE Aga Khan, passes away, and his brother Prince Rahim becomes the 50th Imam
On February 4, 2025, the Ismaili world was deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved 49th Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan IV. His peaceful transition to Almighty Allah in Lisbon, Portugal, was a moment of unity and strength for his family, who were all with him in his final moments. Prince Aly Muhammad, the youngest of the four children of Mawlana Shah Karim, attended his late father’s funeral on February 8, 2025, in Lisbon, a solemn and significant occasion, and the burial on February 9, in Aswan Egypt, a place of deep significance.
On February 11, 2025, Prince Aly Muhammad attended the Takht-Nishini, the ceremonial enthronement ceremony of his older brother, Prince Rahim, as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. Please watch a special official video presentation of the Takhst-nishini pictures HERE.
Date posted: March 5, 2022.
Last updated: April 8, 2025 (updated to reflect Prince Aly Muhammad’s news to current, as of his 25th birthday, which fell on March 7, 2025).
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