Prince Rahim Aga Khan assumes leadership in accession ceremony
The 50th Imam of Ismaili Muslims highlights faith, service, and environmental responsibility in first official address
LISBON: Prince Rahim Aga Khan has officially assumed his role as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community in a grand Accession Ceremony.
The ceremony took place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal, where leaders of the Ismaili community from around the world pledged their spiritual allegiance to their new Imam.
Thousands of Ismailis across more than 35 countries joined the historic moment via livestream in their Jamatkhanas.
First address to the community
In his first official address as Imam, Prince Rahim Aga Khan expressed gratitude to his family and honoured the legacy of his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, who led the community for over six decades. He thanked the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their support in facilitating dignified arrangements for his father’s funeral and burial.
He reaffirmed his dedication to serving the Ismaili Jamat, pledging to uphold both its spiritual traditions and material well-being. His speech emphasised universal values of peace, tolerance, and social responsibility, urging Ismailis to lead by example in tackling global challenges such as climate change.
The role of Ismaili Imam
The Accession Ceremony marks the formal transition of leadership within the Ismaili community, which follows a tradition of hereditary Imamat spanning over 1,400 years. The ceremony includes religious recitations, the donning of insignia of office, and the Imam’s first address to his followers.
With approximately 12 to 15 million followers worldwide, the Ismaili community has a strong presence in countries such as Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa. The new Imam’s leadership is expected to uphold the values of service, knowledge, and ethical leadership, guiding the community in a rapidly evolving world.
A legacy of service
Prince Rahim Aga Khan has been actively involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for several decades, playing a pivotal role in its environmental and social impact initiatives. The AKDN, founded in 1967, operates in over 30 countries and employs more than 80,000 people in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
His late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, was widely recognised for his philanthropy and global development efforts. His tenure saw the expansion of hospitals, schools, and humanitarian projects, particularly in regions facing poverty and instability.
Recognition and global outreach
The new Imam has received international recognition for his contributions. Last year, he was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Nishan-i-Pakistan, for his efforts in economic, educational, and health-related initiatives benefiting communities across Asia and Africa.
With a background in economics and environmental advocacy, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is expected to bring a renewed focus on sustainability, global partnerships, and continued investment in humanitarian efforts.