Prince Rahim Named Successor to Aga Khan IV as Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims

Prince Rahim has been named the new Aga Khan, succeeding his father, Aga Khan IV, who recently passed away at age 88. He will lead the Ismaili Muslim community, which is spread across multiple countries and is known for its wealth and humanitarian efforts.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan has officially been designated as the new spiritual leader for the Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father, the Aga Khan IV, who passed away at the age of 88. This announcement came after the will of the late Aga Khan was unsealed, revealing Prince Rahim as his chosen successor, according to the Aga Khan Development Network.

The new Aga Khan, now referred to as Aga Khan V, takes the helm of a prominent Shiite Muslim lineage that traces its roots to the Prophet Muhammad. The Ismaili Muslim population, which numbers between 12 to 15 million, is dispersed across over 35 nations, including regions such as Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.

The Aga Khan family is known for its substantial wealth, which ranges from estimates of $1 billion to $13 billion, with diversified interests that cover airlines, racehorses, and media assets. The late Aga Khan IV was recognized as one of the wealthiest hereditary monarchs globally, accruing much of this fortune through a type of tithe imposed on his followers. Besides their wealth, the family and the Ismaili community are distinguished by their commitment to humanitarian initiatives, establishing various institutions worldwide that include universities and health facilities.

In appointing his son as successor, the late Aga Khan upholds a traditional practice. His grandfather, Aga Khan III, had similarly chosen his own successor in 1957, opting for youth and adaptability in meeting the challenges of an evolving world. At the time, the late Aga Khan IV was merely a 20-year-old Harvard student focusing on Islamic history.