USA: Governor Rick Perry – I have lost a dear friend and mentor – His Highness the Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims
Austin, Texas, 2009 – Governor Rick Perry of Texas in conversation with His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV at a banquet following the signing of a historic agreement between the US State of Texas and the Ismaili Imamat
“The world has lost a great Muslim leader with a unique vision and impressive accomplishments, which can be seen through his work, as well as the numerous awards, accolades, and respect he received wherever he went.
… I was deeply struck by his breadth of knowledge, humility, humor, spirit of generosity, genuine sense of compassion, and his desire for peace and progress. A man of action and few words, he was a champion of pluralism and bridge building in every corner of the world.
Aga Khan IV has left us, but the legacy of his institutions and contributions to humanity will live on, to assist future generations.”
Former Texas Governor, Rick Perry pays tribute to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV
Austin, Texas, April 12, 2008His Highness the Aga Khan addressing the media prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Texas and the Aga Khan University, as Governor Rick Perry of Texas listens intently. Image: Gary Otte/AKDN
Friday, February 7, 2025 4:43 pm
The passing of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims, is being mourned by Ismailis globally, and by so many others. For me, I have lost a dear friend and mentor. As Governor of Texas, I met His Highness on several occasions, and he and I developed a deep friendship. I express sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, to the Ismaili community globally, in the United States, and especially in Texas.
The world has lost a great Muslim leader with a unique vision and impressive accomplishments, which can be seen through his work, as well as the numerous awards, accolades, and respect he received wherever he went.
As Governor, I had the privilege of helping to celebrate his Golden Jubilee at a grand event in Austin. And I had the honor of opening the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center in Sugar Land in his presence. I look forward to the opening of The Ismaili Center in Houston, expected to be completed this year – a magnificent building that will be an architectural landmark.
Each time I had the good fortune of being with him, I was deeply struck by his breadth of knowledge, humility, humor, spirit of generosity, genuine sense of compassion, and his desire for peace and progress. A man of action and few words, he was a champion of pluralism and bridge building in every corner of the world.
Aga Khan IV’s contributions to humanity through the Aga Khan Development Network are vast, employing 96,000 people in 30 countries, and deploying a $1billion a year on projects that improve the quality of life of the impoverished and marginalized – from schools and universities, to clinics and hospitals, cultural initiatives, and industrial and financial enterprises that provide jobs, with an emphasis on protecting the environment.
Aga Khan IV has left us, but the legacy of his institutions and contributions to humanity will live on, to assist future generations. It was an honor to have known him, his brother Prince Amyn, daughter Zahra, sons Hussein and Aly Mohammed, and for our families to have spent memorable times together.
I congratulate his eldest son, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, on becoming the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, as he takes the mantle of spiritual guidance and leadership of his community, and of continuing his forefathers’ 1400-year tradition of working to serve humanity at large and improving the quality of life of all people. I wish Shah Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V and the Ismaili community every success.
Austin, Texas, 2009 – Governor Rick Perry of Texas with his officials and His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with his family following the signing of a historic agreement between the US State of Texas and the Ismaili Imamat
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