Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Appointed The New Aga Khan

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed as the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims worldwide, following the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. 

The Aga Khan Development Network announced that Prince Rahim, 53, was designated as his father’s successor in the late Aga Khan’s will. He now becomes the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, which traces its leadership lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad. 

Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim is the eldest son of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah, formerly known as Sarah Croker Poole. He pursued higher education at Brown University, studying literature, and later attended business school in Barcelona. Over the years, Prince Rahim has been actively involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), serving on various boards and focusing on initiatives related to climate change and environmental protection. 

The Ismaili Muslim community, numbering between 12 to 15 million adherents globally, regards the Aga Khan as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The community is spread across more than 25 countries, including significant populations in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa. 

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV assumed the role of Imam in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather. Throughout his leadership, he was renowned for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the AKDN, which invests approximately $1 billion annually in projects spanning education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives across over 30 countries. 

The late Aga Khan was also a prominent figure in the equestrian world, owning several successful racehorses, including the famed Shergar, which won notable derbies in 1981. 

As the new Aga Khan, Prince Rahim is expected to continue his father’s legacy of philanthropy and leadership, guiding the Ismaili community and overseeing the various development projects initiated under the AKDN.