Prince Rahim Aga Khan V assumes leadership in accession ceremony
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V addresses senior leaders representing the Global Jamat on the occasion of his Takht-nishini at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat on 11 February 2025. Photo: Akbar Hakim
What you need to know:
- In his inaugural address, he pledged to dedicate his life to caring for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat.
Lisbon. Prince Rahim Aga Khan V received global leaders of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community at his Accession Ceremony today, February 11, 2025.
The prince was accompanied by his family in the event which took place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal.
"Leaders of the Ismaili community pledged spiritual allegiance to the 50th hereditary Imam on behalf of the global Ismaili community. Ismailis around the world observed the ceremony via livestream in their Jamatkhanas (places of gathering) in more than 35 countries," read a communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.
In his address, the Aga Khan paid tribute to his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and expressed gratitude to his family for their presence and support.
He also thanked the governments of Portugal and Egypt for acknowledging his father’s contributions and for facilitating dignified arrangements for his funeral and burial.
This was the first occasion on which Aga Khan V spoke to the international Ismaili community.
In his inaugural address, he pledged to dedicate his life to caring for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V wearing the khilat (robe) of the preceding Imam in the presence of leaders representing the global Jamat in Lisbon, Portugal, on 11 February 2025. Photo: Shams Meradia
He emphasized the principles of the Ismaili Muslim faith, the importance of maintaining a balance between worldly and spiritual matters, and the regular practice of faith.
His message focused on universal values such as peace, tolerance, inclusion, and support for those in need.
He encouraged his community to be loyal and active citizens of the countries in which they live and urged them to lead by example in addressing climate change.
Having been deeply involved with the work of the Aga Khan Development Network for several decades, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan committed to balancing continuity and stability with a measured pace of change.
He also pledged to sustain friendly and constructive relations with governments and partners, working closely with them, as his father did, to promote peace, stability, and opportunity.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V signs the Ismaili Constitution in his name at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Photo: Akbar Hakim
In 2018, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV designated the Henrique de Mendonça Palace in Lisbon as the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat, to be known as the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.
The term Diwan is an Arabic, Indian, and Persian word that, in this context, refers to the Court or chief administrative office of the Imam of the Time.
The Accession Ceremony marks the formal assumption of leadership by the Shia Ismaili Imam following the passing of his predecessor.
The ceremony includes religious recitations, the presentation and donning of the insignia of office, and the pledging of spiritual allegiance by Ismaili leaders on behalf of all Ismailis worldwide.
It is customary for the Imam to address his community on this occasion, reaffirming his role as the present, living spiritual leader of the global Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
