By Frank Kamuntu
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
In keeping with the historical tradition, he now assumes leadership of the estimated 15 million Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims worldwide following the passing of his father on Tuesday, February 4, in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by family.
“Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, as designated by his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in accordance with historical Shia Imami Ismaili tradition,” read a communique from the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat.
Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim is the eldest son of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan and his first wife, Princess Salimah.
He was educated at Phillips Academy Andover and graduated in 1995 from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature.
Prince Rahim has two sons from his former wife, Princess Salwa: Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
He serves on the boards of many agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network, and “has closely followed the work of The Institute of Ismaili Studies and the Ismaili community’s social governance institutions,” reads the statement.
Prince Rahim has been particularly involved in the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) drive to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change, serving as chairman of its environment and climate committee.
“He has also given sustained attention to the work of AKDN and the Ismaili community institutions in addressing the needs of those living in the greatest poverty and supporting the improvement of their livelihoods through education, training and enterprise,” continues the statement.
“Prince Rahim meets regularly with leaders of government, international organisations, and civil society to strengthen their relations with the Ismaili Imamat and to advance the AKDN’s efforts to improve the lives of marginalised and vulnerable communities.”
His father, His Highness the Aga Khan, was the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder of Aga Khan Development Network.
He was well known globally for his philanthropic works aimed at improving people’s lives.
“Throughout his life, His Highness the Aga Khan IV emphasised that Islam is a thinking, spiritual faith that teaches compassion and tolerance, and upholds the dignity of humankind,” an official statement released from Portugal said.
“His Highness dedicated his life to improving the living condition of his community and the peoples of the countries in which they live, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or religion.”
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