Prince Rahim Aga Khan V becomes 50th Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims
What you need to know:
- The decision was made after the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, was unsealed.
Lisbon. Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. This was announced in an official statement from the Ismaili community.
The decision was made after the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, was unsealed.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV passed away yesterday in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
The statement explained, “Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali.”
Prince Rahim now becomes the new spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, who have followed a living, hereditary Imam for over 1,400 years.
Today, the community has approximately 12 to 15 million members across more than 35 countries. He was appointed by his late father, following the traditions of the Shia Imami Ismaili faith.
Prince Rahim was born on October 12, 1971, as the eldest son of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah.
He studied at Phillips Academy Andover and later graduated from Brown University in 1995 with a degree in Comparative Literature.
He has two sons, Prince Irfan (born in 2015) and Prince Sinan (born in 2017), from his former wife, Princess Salwa.
Prince Rahim serves on the boards of many organizations under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
He has been actively involved in education, social development, and poverty reduction programs.
He also plays a key role in the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the governance of the Ismaili community.
One of his main areas of focus has been environmental protection and climate change.
He leads the AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee, working on sustainable solutions for communities.
He also works closely with governments, international organizations, and civil society to strengthen the Ismaili Imamat’s partnerships and improve the lives of marginalized people.
