Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Ascends as Aga Khan V, Leading 15 Million Ismaili Muslims Worldwide

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who died in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at 88. The transition, announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), follows the unsealing of the late spiritual leader’s will.
Aged 53, Prince Rahim brings decades of experience from his roles within the AKDN, including chairing its Environment and Climate Committee and overseeing economic development initiatives across Asia and Africa. Educated at Brown University, he has long been integral to the network’s global philanthropy, which spans healthcare, education, and cultural preservation.
The Ismaili community, numbering 12–15 million across 35 countries, regards the Aga Khan as a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad. Prince Rahim’s leadership is expected to sustain his father’s legacy of bridging Islamic and Western societies while addressing contemporary challenges like climate change.
Source: Aga Khan Development Network, BBC