Prince Rahim Aga Khan V named 50th imam of Ismailis
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community, following the passing of Karim Aga Khan IV, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Prince Karim Aga Khan, renowned for his immense wealth, philanthropy and global development work, breathed his last in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
A post on the AKDN social media page said the announcement was made in Lisbon where the late Imam’s will was read in the presence of his family and senior community leaders.
“In keeping with the centuries-old tradition of nass — the formal designation of a successor — the mantle of leadership has now passed to Mawlana Shah Rahim Aga Khan V,” read a post.
The announcement adds that the new Imam inherits the spiritual and institutional leadership of the Ismaili community.
“As the community comes to terms with the loss of its beloved 49th Imam, it now looks to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to guide them into a new era,” it said.
Who is Prince Rahim Aga Khan V?
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim is the eldest son of the late Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah — née Sarah Croker Poole — a former British model. The couple had a daughter and two sons together. Rahim has two sons through his marriage with former American fashion model Kendra Spears.
Prince Rahim has closely followed the work of the Institute of Ismaili Studies and served as chairman of the AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee.
Set up in 1967, the AKDN group of international development agencies employs 80,000 people helping to build schools and hospitals and providing electricity for millions of people in the poorest parts of Africa and Asia.
The late Prince Karim Aga Khan, who was the 49th hereditary imam or spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismailis, was known as a racehorse owner and philanthropist with a wealth estimated at $13 billion. He also held British, French, Swiss and Portuguese citizenship.
Condolences
Prominent Pakistani politicians including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and others offered their condolences to the family and the Ismaili community on the passing of their spiritual leader.
President Zardari in his statement said that Pakistan lost a great friend, who had made great contributions towards the uplift of Pakistan’s social sector, particularly in the health, education and community development. “The invaluable services of Prince Karim Aga Khan for humanity will always be remembered,” he said.
PM Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the late Aga Khan for all his philanthropic efforts for the development of countless communities all over the world. Deputy PM Dar said that Pakistan mourns Prince Karim’s loss and cherishes his inspiring leadership. “His unwavering commitment to improving communities worldwide leaves an indelible legacy.”
Gilgit-Baltistan’s (GB) government declared three days of mourning following the passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan. GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed deep sorrow and prayed for the departed soul.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast in tribute to Prince Karim Aga Khan from February 5 to 7, while all official events will be held with simplicity in the region. The government has also declared a public holiday on Thursday, February 6, across the region.