India, Feb. 5 -- The Aga Khan, who became the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims at just 20 while studying at Harvard and dedicated his vast fortune to funding homes, hospitals, and schools in developing countries, passed away aged 88.

His Aga Khan Foundation and the Ismaili religious community announced on their websites that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, died Tuesday in Portugal, surrounded by his family. They stated that an announcement regarding his successor would follow later. He is survived by three sons and a daughter.

Considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was ...