Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has officially assumed the hereditary Imamat of the Ismaili Shia Muslims, succeeding his late father, the fourth Imam Shah Karim Aga Khan. This announcement was made during an official ceremony held in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon on February 5, 2025, following the reading of his father's will.
The appointment of Prince Rahim Aga Khan continues the lineage of Imamat that dates back to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), in accordance with the historical traditions of the Ismaili Imamat.
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim is the eldest son of the late Imam and directly descends from the Prophet's lineage through the Fatimid Caliphs. He studied in the United States, where he gained expertise in economics and social development.
In 2013, Prince Rahim married Princess Salwa Aga Khan, and they have two children, Irfan and Sinan.
The new Imam is expected to continue focusing on sustainable development and humanitarian work. Despite assuming the Imamat, radical changes in the policies followed by his father are not anticipated.
Prince Rahim is known for his modern vision and practical approach to developing Ismaili and other communities worldwide. With his assumption of this historical role, a new chapter begins in the history of the Ismaili Imamat, which has played a significant role in advancing social development.
Under the leadership of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the Imamat continues its historical journey, preserving a legacy that spans over a thousand years.