Following the passing of his father, Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide. The 53-year-old was named Aga Khan V, becoming the 50th hereditary imam of the Ismaili community, as designated in his father’s will. His father passed away on Tuesday in Portugal.
The Aga Khan is revered by his followers as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is often treated with the respect accorded to a head of state. The Aga Khan Development Network and the Ismaili community confirmed the earlier announcement of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the late Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam, who died surrounded by his family.
Prince Rahim, the eldest son of the previous Aga Khan, pursued his education in the United States, where he studied comparative literature at Brown University. He has also been actively involved in various roles within the Aga Khan Development Network, the primary philanthropic organization associated with the Aga Khan, as noted in a recent statement.
This organization focuses on critical issues such as healthcare, education, housing, and rural economic development, operating in over 30 countries with an annual budget nearing $1 billion dedicated to nonprofit development efforts. The network highlighted Prince Rahim’s particular interest in environmental protection and climate change initiatives.
The late Aga Khan received the title of “His Highness” from Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, shortly after his grandfather, Aga Khan III, unexpectedly appointed him as heir to the family’s long-standing 1,300-year legacy as leaders of the Ismaili Muslim sect.
Over the years, the late Aga Khan became known as a prominent business figure and philanthropist, successfully navigating the realms of spirituality and commerce. He was highly regarded for his efforts to bridge cultural divides between Muslim societies and the West, largely due to his reluctance to engage in political matters.
His legacy includes a network of hospitals named after him, established in regions lacking adequate healthcare, such as Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, where he invested significantly in local economic development.
The Ismaili community has a history spanning generations in Iran, Syria, and South Asia, and more recently in East Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Australia. Members of this community often contribute up to 12.5% of their income to the Aga Khan, whom they view as their steward.
Shenila Khoja-Moolji, an associate professor at Georgetown University specializing in Muslim societies, noted that Ismailis look to the Aga Khan for guidance in both faith and daily life, believing in his “divinely-inspired knowledge” that enables him to interpret the Quran. Prince Rahim has three siblings: two brothers and a sister.
