Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini named Aga Khan V after father’s passing

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.

The announcement came after the unsealing of the late Aga Khan’s will, confirming his eldest son as his successor, as reported by the Aga Khan Development Network and multiple sources. Prince Karim Aga Khan IV passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, where the Ismaili Imamat is based.

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was today named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday, aged 88.

Prince… pic.twitter.com/NXmffq5LrB

— Aga Khan Development Network (@akdn) February 5, 2025

The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat stated: “Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) through his daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, and the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, the fourth Rightly Guided Caliph of Islam and the first Shia Imam.”

The global Ismaili community numbers between 12 to 15 million, with significant populations in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Africa. The Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171 CE), which ruled large parts of North Africa and the Middle East, was founded by Ismaili Imams.

Prince Rahim, 53, was educated at Phillips Academy Andover and Brown University, where he studied comparative literature. He has served on the boards of various agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and has been particularly involved in environmental initiatives, poverty alleviation and education projects.

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The Institute of Ismaili Studies noted: “Prince Rahim has given sustained attention to the work of AKDN and the Ismaili community institutions in addressing the needs of those living in the greatest poverty and supporting the improvement of their livelihoods through education, training and enterprise.”

His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family. Prince Karim Aga Khan… pic.twitter.com/bxOyR0TyZr

— Aga Khan Development Network (@akdn) February 4, 2025

The late Aga Khan IV led the Ismaili community for over 66 years, having succeeded his grandfather at just 20. Under his leadership, the AKDN expanded its philanthropic and development work, establishing hospitals, schools and cultural institutions across the developing world.

A funeral will be held in Lisbon in the coming days, according to reports. The transition of leadership follows the historical practice of nass (designation), where the imam appoints his successor from among his male descendants.

The Ismaili branch of Shia Islam traces its leadership through Imam Ismail Ibn Ja‘far, the son of Imam Ja‘far Al-Sadiq (d. 765 CE). However, most Shia Muslims – known as Twelvers – went on to follow Imam Ja‘far’s other son, Musa Al-Kadhim, as their imam, eventually leading to the lineage of Twelve Imams revered in mainstream Shia Islam.

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