Prince Rahim named 50th Imam of Ismailis after Aga Khan IV's passing
Rahim al-Hussaini, the eldest son of the late Mawlana Shah Karim Aga Khan IV, has been named the 50th hereditary Imam following the unsealing of his father's will, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The announcement was made on Wednesday, just one day after the passing of Prince Karim, the spiritual leader and philanthropist, who died on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal at the age of 88.
The late Aga Khan IV's passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from leaders around the world, who have praised his humanitarian efforts and his role in fostering global development.
The Aga Khan IV, known for his philanthropy and vast wealth, significantly shaped the Ismaili community's welfare and global influence. Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) funded numerous humanitarian efforts and educational programs in some of the world's most impoverished regions.
The Aga Khan's business ventures, ranging from airlines to race horses and newspapers, further augmented his legacy, positioning him as one of the world's wealthiest hereditary leaders.
In his role as Imam, Prince Rahim is expected to continue his father's philanthropic work, focusing on improving the lives of the most vulnerable communities as he has been closely involved in the work of AKDN, serving on various boards and overseeing the organization's efforts to promote education, health, and sustainable development.
A legacy of leadership
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim's journey to spiritual leadership has been shaped by a strong educational foundation. After attending Phillips Academy Andover, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature from Brown University in 1995.
Throughout his career, Prince Rahim has dedicated himself to the well-being of Ismaili communities and the broader global population. His notable contributions include a deep focus on environmental conservation and addressing the effects of climate change.
As the chair of AKDN's Environmental and Climate Change Committee, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at combating environmental degradation and supporting sustainable development.
Prince Rahim's work extends beyond environmental advocacy. He has also been a key figure in supporting the governance institutions of the Ismaili community, working closely with both governmental and international leaders.
His efforts aim to further the mission of AKDN by enhancing the quality of life for marginalized populations through education, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation.
Prince Rahim's personal life also reflects his commitment to public service and global engagement. In 2022, he was conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the nation's highest civilian award, by President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit to Pakistan.
Prince Rahim now inherits the mantle of leadership at a time when the Ismaili community faces both new challenges and opportunities for growth and transformation.
The Ismaili Muslim community, estimated to number between 12 to 15 million, resides in over 35 countries, including regions in Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan
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