Dar es Salaam, Feb. 5 -- The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide and a prominent philanthropist, passed away at the age of 88.

Known for his vast material empire built on billions of dollars in tithes, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of people in developing countries through the construction of homes, hospitals, and schools.

His death marks the end of an era for the Ismaili Muslim community and the global philanthropic world.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ismaili religious community announced that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and the 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, died in Portugal surrounded by his family.

His legacy as a sp...