Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Begins His Leadership

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V officially stepped into his role as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community during a special ceremony on February 11, 2025, held at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal.

Joined by his family, the event was an important moment in the Ismaili community’s history, with many leaders from across the globe gathering to show their support.

The ceremony was a deeply symbolic occasion, where Ismaili leaders around the world pledged their spiritual allegiance to Prince Rahim Aga Khan. His ascension as Imam was followed closely by Ismailis from more than 35 countries, who watched the proceedings via livestream from their local Jamatkhanas.

In his first speech as Imam, Prince Rahim paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He expressed his gratitude to both his family for their support and to the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their kindness in honoring his father’s memory during his funeral and burial.

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Prince Rahim’s words focused on his deep commitment to the well-being of the Ismaili community. He emphasized the need for a balance between spiritual and worldly life, encouraging Ismailis to live by the principles of peace, tolerance, and inclusion. He also spoke about the importance of supporting those in need, urging his followers to be responsible citizens of the countries where they live and take action in addressing critical global issues such as climate change.

Having long been involved with the Aga Khan Development Network, Prince Rahim spoke with confidence about his desire to continue his father’s legacy. He promised to maintain positive relationships with governments and international partners, striving to bring about peace, stability, and opportunities for all, just as his father did during his leadership.