"Aga Khan IV": Religious and Social Leader or Symbol of Modern Developmentism?

His father, Aga Khan III (Sultan Muhammad Shah), who was Imam of the Nizari Ismailis from 1885 to 1957, is considered one of the most prominent and influential figures in the history of Ismaili and Muslim society. Aga Khan IV's mother, Princess Nazli, was from a prominent family in Iran and a member of the Qajar royal family.

 

But Karim Aga Khan IV was actually born into an international environment with a specific religious background and, with comprehensive upbringing and education, embarked on the path of Ismaili leadership from a young age and was appointed to lead this sect after his father's death in 1957. He completed his education at prestigious Western schools such as Harvard University. Throughout his life, he was able to have a wide impact on various societies as a religious and social figure.

 

Religious, religious and political line of thought:

With his scientific and religious education, Aga Khan IV based his line of thought on an ijtihadist and contemporary interpretation of Islam. He always emphasized the compatibility of Islamic teachings with contemporary developments and believed that being religious should not hinder progress and adaptation to the modern world. In addition, he attached importance to reforms and revisions in religious practices and tried to adapt Ismaili religious teachings to the needs of society and social problems.

In the political sphere, the Aga Khan IV was committed to peace, intercultural cooperation and global engagement. He believed that conflicts should be avoided and relations between Muslims and other global communities should be strengthened. For this reason, the Aga Khan IV has always been a supporter of diplomacy and international dialogue, and on several occasions he has held talks with leaders of the Muslim world and even heads of non-Muslim states.

 

Most important programs and functions:

The Aga Khan IV has spent more than 60 years of his life developing and improving the quality of life of Muslim and non-Muslim communities around the world. Among his most important activities are the establishment of an extensive network of development and cultural institutions:

1. The Aga Khan Development Network:

This network includes more than 200 institutions active in the fields of education, health, art, architecture, agriculture, rural development, and human rights. The most important institutions of this network are:

- Aga Khan Trust for Education (AKE): This institution has established schools and universities in various countries that help educate new generations and strengthen educational opportunities in developing countries.

- Aga Khan Trust for Culture: This institution works in the field of cultural heritage conservation, especially in Islamic countries, and guides architectural projects and restoration of historical monuments.

- Aga Khan Trust for Development (AKDN): This institution works in the field of social and economic development, including infrastructure projects, health, and education.

 

2. Education and Health:

The Aga Khan IV always emphasized the importance of education and health. He established many schools, hospitals, and educational institutions in deprived areas and in developing countries. These institutions were established especially in Ismaili areas in Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

 

3. Support for Civil Society:

As a religious leader, the Aga Khan IV was interested in strengthening civil society and supporting human rights. He played a pivotal role in projects that helped establish non-governmental organizations, cultural institutions, and charities.

 

Functions and activities in Afghanistan:

The Aga Khan IV has also played a very important role in Afghanistan. In the years after 2001, he made significant contributions to the reconstruction of the country. Among his most important functions in Afghanistan are the following:

1. Education:

The Aga Khan IV paid special attention to the development of the education system in Afghanistan. The Aga Khan Institute for Education has established schools and universities throughout the country and trained thousands of students. These schools have been established especially in rural and deprived areas.

2. Infrastructure development:

The Aga Khan was very active in rebuilding Afghanistan's infrastructure in the post-war period. He helped implement major development projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and water facilities in various regions.

3. Humanitarian Assistance:

He has also carried out extensive activities in the field of meeting humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. This assistance included providing food, medical care, and helping to rebuild houses and hospitals.

 

Relations with the Ismailis of Afghanistan:

The Aga Khan IV had close relations with the Ismaili community of Afghanistan. The Ismailis of the country form a significant part of his followers, and he has always paid special attention to them over the years. The Aga Khan IV regularly traveled to Afghanistan and met with local leaders and members of the Ismaili community during these trips. He helped improve the living conditions of this community by supporting various projects in the country. The Aga Khan IV has also worked to improve the living standards of the Ismailis in Afghanistan through educational and economic programs.

 

How are Nizari Ismailis different from other Ismailis?

The Nizari Ismailis are one of the main branches of Ismailism, which have differences from other Ismaili groups in the history of Islam, and especially in Ismaili Shiism. There are various differences between the Nizari Ismailis and other Ismaili groups, especially the Mustali Ismailis, in their leadership, religious beliefs, history, and political and social influences. While the Nizari Ismailis, under the leadership of the Aga Khan IV, focus on the interpretation of the Quran and global social and cultural activities, the Mustali Ismailis are more concerned with establishing and following the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt and have a specific religious structure.

 

Criticisms of the performance of Karim Aga Khan

Although the Aga Khan IV is known as a religious and social figure and many of his charitable works have been praised, some criticisms have also been raised by some individuals and groups. These criticisms have mainly focused on the following areas:

1. Focus on economic prosperity and luxurious lifestyle:

One of the main criticisms of the Aga Khan IV is related to his lifestyle and the amount of money he spends to maintain his luxurious personal lifestyle. Some critics believe that the Aga Khan IV, as a Muslim Imam, should have followed a simpler and poverty-stricken life to be an example of simplicity and piety for his followers. Others have pointed to the high costs and luxuries that are held in various ceremonies. This criticism is mostly from those who believe that the life of the Imam should be in line with the lives of ordinary and poorer people.

2. Sovereignty and concentration of power in the hands of one person:

Another criticism that has been raised against the Aga Khan is related to the concentration of religious and political power in the hands of one person. Given that the Aga Khan IV, as the Imam of the Ismailis, played an important religious, social and even political role, some people criticize that this concentration of power in the hands of one person reduces transparency and democracy within the Ismaili community. Critics believe that religious institutions should use a more consultative system to make religious and social decisions more transparent and accurate. 

3. Dependence on large financial and economic institutions:

By establishing and managing the "Aga Khan Development Network", which includes economic institutions, banks and international organizations, the Aga Khan IV took steps that led to criticism of excessive dependence on economic institutions. Some critics believe that these institutions on a global level lead to the concentration of economic power in the hands of certain individuals and consider specific interests that may conflict with the public interest. Also, dependence on these economic institutions has sometimes led to these organizations being referred to as a tool to protect the Aga Khan's personal interests or strengthen his social position.

4. Criticism of religious structures:

Some within the Ismaili community, especially at the domestic level, are critical of the religious management of the Aga Khan IV and his religious practices. Some believe that his religious policies have undergone many changes that have damaged the original nature of Ismailism. These groups sometimes criticize the lack of transparency in religious processes and access to independent interpretations in religious matters.

 

Conclusion

In general, Aga Khan IV was a great religious and developmental figure who played an important role in improving the social and economic lives of people in different countries. However, like any other influential person or figure, some of his actions and attitudes have always been accompanied by criticism. This criticism has mainly centered around his personal life, centralization of power, economic policies, and methods of religious management.