Prince Rahim Aga Khan V takes over role of spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims
His Highness the Aga Khan V signs the Ismaili Constitution, the current social governance instrument of the community in his name, Lisbon, Portugal, 11 February 2025.
His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has formally assumed his role as the new spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims community.
The accession ceremony took place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 11. It was attended by global leaders of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. Ismailis worldwide also followed the ceremony via livestream in their places of gathering (Jamatkhanas) across more than 35 countries.
“Leaders of the Ismaili community pledged spiritual allegiance to the 50th hereditary Imam on behalf of the global Ismaili community,” read a communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat. “This was the first occasion on which Aga Khan V was speaking to the international Ismaili community.”
In his inaugural address, he “pledged to dedicate his life to care for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat.”
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V with members of the Jamat in Hunza valley, Gilgit-Baltistan.
He also paid tribute to his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, while also expressing gratitude to his family for their presence and support. Additionally, he appreciated the governments of Portugal and Egypt “for the way in which they had acknowledged his father's contributions and facilitated the dignified arrangements for his funeral and burial.”
He emphasised the principles of the Ismaili Muslim faith, stressing the importance of maintaining a balance between worldly and spiritual matters and practicing faith regularly.
His message focused on universal values of peace, tolerance, inclusion, and support for those in need. He encouraged Ismailis to be loyal and active citizens in their respective countries and to lead by example in addressing climate change, according to the official statement.
“Deeply involved with the work of the Aga Khan Development Network for several decades, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan committed to balance continuity and stability with a measured pace of change going forward. He also pledged to sustain friendly and constructive relations with governments and partners, and to work closely with them, as did his father, for peace, stability and opportunity,” stated the communique.
His Highness the Aga Khan IV with his son Prince Rahim and his son Prince Irfan during his 80th birthday in Aiglemont on December 16, 2016.
Prince Rahim succeeds his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 88.
The Aga Khan IV, who was the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, was laid to rest on Sunday, February 9, in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. The Aga Khan V has been deeply involved with the work of the Aga Khan Development Network for several decades.
A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan IV was widely recognised for his philanthropic work aimed at improving lives globally.
His Highness the Aga Khan IV holding Prince Rahim, born on October 12, 1971 as Begum Salimah looks on.
"Throughout his life, His Highness the Aga Khan IV emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind."
“His Highness dedicated his life to improving the living condition of his community and the peoples of the countries in which they live, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or religion,” stated a communique from Lisbon.
As the founder and leader of one of the world’s largest private international development organizations, the Aga Khan IV was globally respected as a statesman and advocate for peace and human progress.
Prince Rahim points out an element of the decor to the young Prince Irfan while His Highness the Aga Khan IV looks on.
In Kenya, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has made significant impact across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development. It has also played a key role in supporting press freedom through the Nation Media Group.
In 2018, the Aga Khan IV designated the Henrique de Mendonça Palace, 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 term which, when used in this context, means the Court or chief administrative office of the Imam of the Time.