Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away at the age of 88. The announcement came following the unsealing of the late Aga Khan’s will, confirming Prince Rahim’s appointment as the new spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
The Ismailis, a Shia Muslim sect with a population of around 15 million, revere a lineage of Imams tracing back to Prophet Muhammad. Prince Rahim’s succession marks a new chapter in a leadership that has long been dedicated to community development, philanthropy, and global outreach.
Prince Rahim, the eldest son of the late Aga Khan and Begum Salimah, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, and educated in the United States. Over the years, he has been deeply involved with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which his father spearheaded to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure in underprivileged communities across the world.
With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Prince Rahim has played a crucial role in AKDN’s initiatives focused on mitigating climate change and protecting natural resources. He currently chairs the AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee, emphasizing eco-conscious development strategies.
His father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, led the Ismaili community for over six decades, modernizing its institutions and significantly expanding the network of charitable projects. Under his guidance, AKDN established hospitals, universities, and cultural initiatives, particularly in developing nations.
Beyond his humanitarian work, the late Aga Khan was known for his vast wealth and business ventures, which included telecommunications, luxury hotels, and horse breeding. His contributions to the equestrian world were unparalleled, having bred the legendary racehorse Shergar.
Prince Rahim was married to former American fashion model Kendra Spears, with whom he has two sons. As he assumes his new role as Aga Khan V, he is expected to further his father’s vision of progressive leadership while placing a heightened focus on environmental challenges and poverty alleviation.
With a global network of followers looking to him for guidance, Prince Rahim’s tenure as Imam is anticipated to blend tradition with modernity, ensuring that the Ismaili community remains resilient and forward-looking in the face of contemporary challenges.