LISBON, Portugal — On Wednesday, Rahim Al-Hussaini was officially announced as the new Aga Khan, succeeding his father as the spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims after the elder’s passing.
The 53-year-old has been designated Aga Khan V, marking him as the 50th hereditary imam in the Ismaili Muslim lineage, as outlined in his father’s will. His father passed away on Tuesday in Portugal.
As the Aga Khan, he is regarded by his followers as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and holds a status similar to that of a head of state. The announcement regarding the new Aga Khan came alongside the news of the death of his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, who was recognized as the Aga Khan IV, and the 49th hereditary imam, with his family by his side during his final moments.
Prince Rahim is the firstborn of the late Aga Khan, having pursued an education in the United States where he specialized in comparative literature at Brown University. Over the years, he has participated on various boards within the Aga Khan Development Network, the primary philanthropic arm of the Aga Khan.
This organization focuses on critical global issues, including healthcare, housing, education, and rural economic development, operating in over 30 nations with an annual budget nearing $1 billion dedicated to its nonprofit endeavors.
In particular, the Aga Khan Development Network has highlighted Prince Rahim’s commitment to addressing climate change and environmental preservation, underscoring the importance of sustainability in its initiatives.
The former Aga Khan, who received the honorary title of “His Highness” from Queen Elizabeth in July 1957, was thrust into leadership unexpectedly when his grandfather, Aga Khan III, named him as heir to the family’s 1,300-year legacy as a leader of the Ismaili sect.
Throughout his life, the late Aga Khan was not only a business magnate but also a dedicated philanthropist, adeptly balancing his spiritual duties with worldly ambitions. He was a prominent advocate for Islamic culture and values, recognized for fostering dialogue between Islamic communities and Western societies, largely due to his cautious stance concerning political matters.
Numerous hospitals named after the Aga Khan have emerged in regions with significant healthcare deficits, extending across countries such as Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, where he invested millions to cultivate local economies.
Historically, Ismailis have resided in Iran, Syria, and South Asia, eventually expanding to East Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, and more recently, Europe, North America, and Australia. They are known to contribute up to 12.5% of their earnings to the Aga Khan, whom they consider their spiritual steward.
Shenila Khoja-Moolji, an associate professor at Georgetown University specializing in Muslim societies, remarked that Ismailis frequently look to the Aga Khan for guidance in both spiritual and daily life, attributing to him a “divinely-inspired knowledge” that empowers him to interpret the Quran.
Prince Rahim has three siblings: two brothers and a sister.
