Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslim community following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. The announcement was made on Wednesday after the late Aga Khan’s will was unsealed, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Aga Khan IV’s Passing and Funeral Arrangements
Aga Khan IV, known for his global development initiatives and immense wealth, passed away on February 4, in Lisbon—the seat of the Ismaili Imamat—at the age of 88. His funeral will take place in the Portuguese capital in the coming days once arrangements are finalized, the Imamat said on its website.
PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar Pay Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Aga Khan IV, calling him a visionary whose work in health, education, rural development, and women’s empowerment will continue to inspire millions.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He was a visionary who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. His contributions in areas like health, education, rural development, and women’s empowerment will continue to inspire several people. I will always cherish my interactions with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world,” PM Modi posted on X.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed his condolences on X, saying, “My profound condolences on the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.”
Prince Rahim’s Background and Role in AKDN
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim is the eldest son of Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah (née Sarah Croker Poole), a British former model. He has two sons from his marriage to Kendra Spears, a former American fashion model.
A U.S.-educated, Swiss-based leader, Rahim has been actively involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), serving on multiple boards and chairing its Environment and Climate Committee. According to the Imamat’s website, he has played a key role in AKDN’s efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change while addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
The Ismaili Community and the Aga Khan Legacy
The Ismaili Muslim community, a branch of Shi’ite Islam, comprises approximately 15 million followers spread across Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America.
The title “Aga Khan,” meaning “commanding chief” in Turkish and Persian. The Aga Khan is believed to be the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad via his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, the first Imam, and Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter. The title was originally granted in the 1830s by the Emperor of Persia to Karim Aga Khan’s great-great-grandfather after he married the emperor’s daughter.
Established in 1967, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) employs 80,000 people and oversees projects ranging from schools and hospitals to electrification initiatives in underdeveloped regions of Africa and Asia. Aga Khan IV combined his development work with private business ventures, owning enterprises such as a pharmaceutical company, a bank, and a fishnet factory in Uganda.
He also maintained his family’s long-standing tradition of thoroughbred racing and breeding, with his stables and riders—clad in emerald-green silks achieving major victories in international racing events.
The Aga Khan Foundation’s Statement
The Aga Khan Foundation, which employs 96,000 people and funds development programs across Asia and Africa, confirmed Aga Khan IV’s passing in a statement on X.
“His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
“Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we honor the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins,” the statement added.
