Rahim Al-Hussaini on Wednesday was appointed as the new Aga Khan, the spiritual guide of the global Ismaili Muslim community, succeeding his late father.
Following his father’s passing on Tuesday in Portugal, the 53-year-old was designated as Aga Khan V, becoming the 50th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, as specified in his father’s will.
Followers regard the Aga Khan as a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, according him status equivalent to a head of state.
The Ismaili religious community and the Aga Khan Development Network earlier announced that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, passed away with family at his side.
As the eldest son of the previous Aga Khan, Prince Rahim received his education in the United States, studying comparative literature at Brown University. He has been actively involved in various agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network, the primary philanthropic organisation of the spiritual leader, according to Wednesday’s statement.
The organisation focuses primarily on healthcare, housing, education and rural economic development initiatives. Operating in more than 30 countries, it maintains an annual budget of approximately $1 billion for non-profit development activities.
According to the Aga Khan Development Network, Prince Rahim demonstrated particular dedication to environmental protection and climate change initiatives.
Queen Elizabeth bestowed the title “His Highness” upon the late Aga Khan in July 1957, shortly after his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, unexpectedly named him heir to the family’s 1,300-year-old dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect.
Through the years, the late Aga Khan transformed into an influential business leader and humanitarian, adeptly balancing his religious and secular responsibilities.
As a champion of Islamic heritage and principles, he earned recognition for fostering understanding between Muslim communities and Western nations, maintaining a measured distance from political engagement.
His healthcare legacy includes a chain of Aga Khan hospitals established in underserved regions, including Bangladesh, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, where he invested substantially in strengthening local economic conditions.
The Ismaili community’s historical presence spans Iran, Syria and South Asia, later extending to east Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, with recent migrations to Europe, North America and Australia. Their faith practice includes contributing up to 12.5% of their earnings to the Aga Khan as their custodian.
“As a paternal figure,” notes Shenila Khoja-Moolji, Georgetown University associate professor studying Muslim societies, the Aga Khan guides Ismailis in both spiritual matters and everyday decisions.
Prince Rahim is one of four siblings, with two brothers and a sister.
