Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, who passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88.
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim, now 53, has played a significant role in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), overseeing key initiatives in education, health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Ismaili Muslim community, which counts approximately 15 million followers worldwide. For nearly seven decades, they have looked to his father, the late Aga Khan IV, for spiritual guidance and leadership in development.
Prince Rahim’s education at Brown University, where he earned a degree in Comparative Literature, laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He later pursued graduate studies in management and administration at the IESE Business School in Barcelona, equipping him to navigate the complex global challenges faced by the Ismaili community.
Beyond academia, Prince Rahim has been deeply involved in guiding the work of AKDN. His contributions focus on addressing climate change, improving economic opportunities, and enhancing the well-being of communities in Asia, Africa, and beyond.
In his leadership role, Prince Rahim has chaired the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), driving projects that concentrate on infrastructure, financial services, and industrial growth in developing countries.
On a personal note, Prince Rahim married American model Kendra Spears in 2013, and they have two sons. The couple divorced in 2022.
As the 50th Imam of the Ismailis, Prince Rahim is tasked with upholding his father’s legacy while addressing contemporary challenges faced by Ismaili Muslims globally. The announcement of his leadership has been met with reverence and anticipation, as followers eagerly await his vision for the future of their community.
