Islamabad, Feb 6: Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been appointed the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who died on February 4 at the age of 88. The succession was confirmed after the unsealing of the late Aga Khan’s will.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the eldest son of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and Begum Salimah, now takes on the spiritual leadership of an estimated 12 to 15 million Ismaili Muslims living in over 35 countries. The Ismaili Imamat traces its lineage directly to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Hazrat Bibi Fatima and Hazrat Ali, the first Shia Imam.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV led the community for nearly 67 years, succeeding his grandfather in 1957 at the age of 20. Throughout his leadership, he expanded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a vast global organization dedicated to education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and economic development. His contributions extended to business ventures, including luxury hotels, telecommunications, and a highly successful horse breeding operation.
He was ranked among the world’s wealthiest spiritual leaders, with Forbes estimating his fortune at $1 billion in 2008.
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Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, a US-educated and Swiss-based leader, has been actively involved in AKDN’s initiatives, particularly in environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. He currently chairs the AKDN Environment and Climate Committee, focusing on mitigating climate change’s impact.
Married to former American fashion model Kendra Spears, now Princess Salwa, Prince Rahim has two sons. His leadership is expected to continue the philanthropic and developmental work of his father while adapting to modern global challenges.
A funeral for Prince Karim Aga Khan IV will be held in Lisbon in the coming days.Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Named 50th Hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims
