Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims after the recent passing of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV. Following the unsealing of the late Imam's will, Prince Rahim, now 53, takes on this significant leadership role, continuing the long-standing tradition of hereditary succession within the Ismaili community.
Prince Karim passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88 after serving as Imam for 67 years—a tenure marked by deep commitment to philanthropy and community development worldwide. His funeral service is scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, Portugal, beginning at 11 AM GMT, and it will be available for viewing on Ismaili TV. This event is expected to gather family members, community leaders, and dignitaries from around the world to pay their respects. The burial will take place the following day, February 9, 2025, at a private ceremony in Egypt where his grandfather, the 48th Imam, is interred.
This transition marks not just the end of one era but the beginning of another, as Prince Rahim Aga Khan V steps up to lead approximately 12 to 15 million Ismailis spread across 35 countries. The new Imam is described as deeply aware of his environment and is committed to the Aga Khan Development Network’s mission which includes tackling poverty and environmental challenges.
The Kenyan government has been quick to offer its support for the new Imam; Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi extended blessings to Prince Rahim at the Ismaili Council for Kenya offices. During his remarks, Mudavadi honored Prince Karim’s legacy, recognizing him as “a leader with very broad philanthropic footprints” across many sectors including healthcare and education and especially his commitment to various charitable works even within conflict zones. “His institutions will continue to do the same, even way beyond him, as we look to the future,” he asserted.
Reflecting on personal experiences with his late father, Prince Rahim noted the simplicity and deep-seated humility of Prince Karim, contrasting what many might expect from a figure of his stature. “What shocked me... was the simplicity of his house,” the new Imam recalled, recounting meaningful evenings spent together enjoying tea and discussing art.
The late Aga Khan IV was instrumental not only within the Ismaili community but played pivotal roles across the globe, especially noted for his advocacy for media freedom and the establishment of the Nation Media Group. His grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah, had set the foundations for their legacy, and the commitment to social welfare has been upheld across generations.
Ismailis regard their leaders as the direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad via his daughter Fatima and Ali, the first Shia Imam. This connection reinforces the cultural and religious significance of the Imam’s role, both spiritually and as a leader dedicated to the material welfare of his community.
Prince Rahim’s ascent as Imam is not merely ceremonial; it carries significant expectations. He has already demonstrated commitment to his predecessors’ missions, particularly focusing on environmental initiatives and the eradication of poverty. He has been actively involved on various boards of the Aga Khan Development Network and is particularly focused on addressing climate change challenges.
The ceremony on February 11, following his ascension, is seen as another opportunity for the community to honor both the legacy of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and to welcome Prince Rahim as their new leader. This homage ceremony reinforces the shared identity and collective respect within the Ismaili community.
Reflecting on the future, the new Imam is poised to lead the Ismaili community with both grace and courage, fostering continuity within the traditions instilled by his father, all the way back to their founding principles. The community waits with anticipation to see how Prince Rahim will shape this new chapter of their rich legacy.