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Aga Khan V takes over role of spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims
His Highness Aga Khan V wearing the khilat (robe) of the preceding Imam in the presence of leaders representing the global Ismaili community in Lisbon, Portugal on February 11, 2025.
His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has formally assumed his role as the new spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims community.
The accession ceremony took place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 11. It was attended by global leaders of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
Ismailis worldwide also followed the ceremony via livestream in their places of gathering (Jamatkhanas) across more than 35 countries.
“Leaders of the Ismaili community pledged spiritual allegiance to the 50th hereditary Imam on behalf of the global Ismaili community,” read a communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.
“This was the first occasion on which Aga Khan V was speaking to the international Ismaili community.”
In his inaugural address, he “pledged to dedicate his life to care for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat.”
He also paid tribute to his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, while also expressing gratitude to his family for their presence and support.
Additionally, he appreciated the governments of Portugal and Egypt “for the way in which they had acknowledged his father's contributions and facilitated the dignified arrangements for his funeral and burial.”
He emphasised the principles of the Ismaili Muslim faith, stressing the importance of maintaining a balance between worldly and spiritual matters and practising faith regularly.
Prince Rahim points out an element of the decor to the young Prince Irfan while Princess Salwa and His Highness the Aga Khan IV look on.
Photo credit: Farhez Rayani
His message focused on universal values of peace, tolerance, inclusion, and support for those in need. He encouraged Ismailis to be loyal and active citizens in their respective countries and to lead by example in addressing climate change, according to the official statement.
“Deeply involved with the work of the Aga Khan Development Network for several decades, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan committed to balance continuity and stability with a measured pace of change going forward. He also pledged to sustain friendly and constructive relations with governments and partners, and to work closely with them, as did his father, for peace, stability and opportunity,” stated the communique.
Prince Rahim succeeds his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 88.
His Highness the Aga Khan IV holding Prince Rahim who was born on October 20, 1971 as Begum Salimah looks on.
Photo credit: Pool
The Aga Khan IV, who was the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network, was laid to rest on Sunday, February 9, in a private burial ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. The Aga Khan V has been deeply involved with the work of the Aga Khan Development Network for several decades.
A direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan IV was widely recognised for his philanthropic work aimed at improving lives globally.
"Throughout his life, His Highness the Aga Khan IV emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind."
“His Highness dedicated his life to improving the living condition of his community and the peoples of the countries in which they live, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or religion,” stated a communique from Lisbon.
His Highness the Aga Khan IV with Prince Rahim meeting with the Ismaili community in Mombasa, Kenya in 1981.
Photo credit: Pool
As the founder and leader of one of the world’s largest private international development organisations, the Aga Khan IV was globally respected as a statesman and advocate for peace and human progress.
In Kenya, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has made significant impact across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development. It has also played a key role in supporting press freedom through the Nation Media Group.
In 2018, the Aga Khan IV designated the Henrique de Mendonça Palace, Lisbon, as the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat, to be known as the “Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat”.
The term Diwan is an Arabic, Indian and Persian term which, when used in this context, means the Court or chief administrative office of the Imam of the Time.
