In a historic transition of spiritual leadership, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. The Agahh Khan Development Network announced his designation on Wednesday after the late leader’s will was unsealed.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s Legacy
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, a revered spiritual leader, philanthropist, and global development advocate, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88 in Lisbon, the headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat.
Who Is Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini?
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim is the eldest son of the late Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah, formerly Sarah Croker Poole, a British ex-model. The couple had three children—two sons and a daughter.
Prince Rahim’s Contributions to the Ismaili Community
Prince Rahim has played a key role within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), serving as chairman of its Environment and Climate Committee. He has also been actively involved in the Institute of Ismaili Studies and various social governance organizations within the Ismaili community, along with holding board positions in several AKDN institutions.
The Spiritual Lineage of the Aga Khan
The Ismaili community believes that the Aga Khan, a title derived from Turkish and Persian meaning “commanding chief,” is a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Hazrat Ali, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, and his wife, Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter.
A Global Community
Globally, the Ismaili population is estimated to be around 15 million, residing in regions including North America, Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s Passing
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the esteemed spiritual leader of the Ismaili community and a globally respected philanthropist, passed away in Lisbon at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Aga Khan Development Network on Tuesday.
A Statement from the Aga Khan Development Network
“With deep sorrow, we inform the Jamat that our beloved 49th hereditary Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, peacefully returned to Almighty Allah’s grace on February 4, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family,” the statement read.
The Succession Process
Following Ismaili tradition, his successor’s name was revealed after the reading of his will in the presence of family members and senior community representatives.
A Life Dedicated to Progress
Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Karim Aga Khan became the Imam of the Ismaili community on July 11, 1957, at the age of 20, following the passing of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan.
For nearly seven decades, he led the global Ismaili community, championing social progress, education, and economic development across Asia, Africa, and beyond.