New Delhi, Feb 7 : 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 Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) announced the succession on Wednesday after the late Aga Khan’s will was unsealed.
Aga Khan IV’s Passing and Funeral Arrangements
Aga Khan IV, renowned for his global development initiatives and vast philanthropic work, passed away on February 4 in Lisbon, the headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat, at the age of 88. Funeral arrangements are being finalized, and the ceremony will be held in the Portuguese capital in the coming days, according to an official statement from the Imamat.
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 (formerly Sarah Croker Poole), a British model. He is married to Kendra Spears, an American former fashion model, with whom he has two sons.
Educated in the United States and based in Switzerland, Prince Rahim has played a prominent role in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), serving on multiple boards and leading its Environment and Climate Committee. He has been instrumental in advancing AKDN’s initiatives to protect the environment, combat climate change, and support vulnerable communities.
The Ismaili Community and Aga Khan’s Legacy
The Ismaili Muslim community, a branch of Shi’ite Islam, has approximately 15 million followers 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, traces back to the 1830s when the Emperor of Persia granted it to Aga Khan IV’s great-great-grandfather. The Aga Khans are believed to be direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and daughter, Fatima.
Founded in 1967, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) employs around 80,000 people and oversees a range of projects, from education and healthcare to rural electrification in underdeveloped regions of Africa and Asia. Aga Khan IV also maintained private business ventures, including a pharmaceutical company, a bank, and a fishnet factory in Uganda. Additionally, he continued his family’s legacy in thoroughbred racing, with his stables achieving major victories in international events.
Condolences from Indian Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Aga Khan IV, describing him as a visionary whose contributions to health, education, rural development, and women’s empowerment will leave a lasting impact.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He was a visionary leader devoted to service and spirituality. His efforts in areas like health, education, and rural development will continue to inspire millions. 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, stating, “My profound condolences on the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.”
