I lost my mentor - the Aga Khan IV

I lost my first mentor.

On Feb 4th 2025, Hazir Imam – known to many as the Aga Khan IV – peacefully passed away in Lisbon, Portugal. His departure marks not just the loss of a leader, but of the guiding light that has steered my journey from my earliest days.

I was born into the Muslim Shia sect of the Nizari Isma'ili Muslims. With roughly 15 million Ismailis around the world, I consider myself immensely blessed to be part of this generous community. Wherever I go in the world, the presence of even one fellow Ismaili reminds me that I’m never alone – that I always have a home and a sanctuary of shared values. Our faith is built on values such as service, intellectual curiosity, a commitment to pluralism, compassion, generosity, and many more. These principles aren’t just words; they are the living, breathing force that has shaped me, my family & friends, and many others around the world.

Ever since I was a kid, I followed the Aga Khan IV’s teachings and actions. He was literally always on my GOAT list (greatest of all time) as #1 followed by Michael Jordan as #2. He took care of people of all faiths, not just Ismailis. His institutions have transformed countless lives in regions like South Asia and East Africa, setting the bar high for quality care and meaningful social development.

I don’t want to get into a full explanation of our faith here - how we believe our Imam is a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad through Hazrat Ali. You can ChatGPT that easily. What I really want to share is how I feel, realizing now that the person I’ve always viewed as my first mentor is no longer physically with us on this earth.

In 2008, I remember being 19 years old in Nairobi, Kenya, playing basketball in an Ismaili International Sports Tournament (pretty epic, right?), representing the U.S. I’d been at these tournaments since I was a little kid, back when my parents couldn’t even cover my entry fees. But you know what I did have? An incredible Ismaili community that stepped in with generous, anonymous donations so kids like me could grab opportunities and enjoy experiences we never would’ve had been able to afford otherwise.

Everywhere I went in Nairobi, I saw the unmistakable impact of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) – now a powerhouse spanning over 30 countries. I witnessed firsthand the impact of institutions like the Aga Khan University (AKU) and the Aga Khan hospitals (AKH) all across Kenya, which not only deliver world-class healthcare and education but also empower doctors, nurses, and educators with advanced training.

One memory stands out vividly. My friends and I hailed a random taxi, and the driver, curious about our presence in Nairobi, asked where we were from. When we mentioned we were here for a basketball tournament with other Ismailis, his face lit up as he exclaimed,

“Oh man, the Aga Khan?! I love that guy! He’s done so much for Kenya!”

In that fleeting moment, I felt a surge of emotion. As a 19-year-old, hearing such heartfelt words about our faith and our leader from a complete stranger - someone I’d likely never meet again - brought tears to my eyes. In that instant, all my doubts about religion, community, the Aga Khan's role, and even my own worth evaporated. I realized, without question, that I was wholeheartedly behind my community and the guiding principles of the Aga Khan.

The idea behind Emagineer and everything I pursue was influenced by these principles. If Emagineer can become even 1% of what AKDN is, I’ll have lived a fulfilled life. For me, the most profound message from the Aga Khan has always been about safeguarding the future - not just for Ismailis, but for communities across the globe. And as I write this, I feel tears welling up. He made incredible sacrifices and created so many positive outcomes that have shaped who I am today.

Those tears also reflect the sense of responsibility coursing through me right now. I realize I can step up. I realize I must step up. I’ve never been so determined to do my part in improving the lives of others. It’s more than just my purpose - it’s my duty. I’m doubling down on my mission to improve healthcare for my family and friends, because if I can do it for them, I can do it for the world. Healthcare should be built around the patient. That’s the next big mountain I'm currently climbing, and I’m ready to accelerate.

Nothing and no one will stand in my way. I might fail, but it’s my duty to try. It’s my responsibility not to depend solely on the Aga Khan and countless others with his same mission to take on the world’s challenges. I can and will do my part, or die trying.

It’s not all sorrow, though. As I’ve lost one mentor, I’ve gained another. We Ismailis believe the Imam’s spiritual light is eternal, passing seamlessly from one Imam to the next. Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan, his eldest son, is now our 50th Imam - the Aga Khan V, chosen of course only by his father, the previous Aga Khan IV.

I already feel a surge of renewed energy and a sense of continuity. I keep thinking back to 2016 in Dubai, when I was lucky enough to be right next to Prince Rahim. At that time, I had no clue then that he would become my next mentor - my next Imam. That moment wasn’t just chance. It was a sign.

Dear universe, thank you for these signs. I hear you loud and clear. And now it’s time for me to get back to work.