Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has officially been appointed as the 50th Aga Khan, following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, at the age of 88. His appointment was confirmed after the unsealing of Prince Karim’s will, as announced by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
A Legacy of Leadership and Global Impact
Prince Karim Aga Khan IV led the Shia Ismaili Muslim community for nearly seven decades, assuming leadership in 1957 at the age of 20. During his tenure, he championed philanthropic, educational, and economic development initiatives, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which operates hospitals, schools, and cultural programs across the developing world.
Beyond his role as a spiritual leader, the Aga Khan was a prominent global figure in business and investment, with a fortune estimated at $1 billion by Forbes in 2008. His ventures spanned hospitality, telecommunications, and horse breeding, including ownership of Shergar, one of the most famous racehorses in history.
Prince Karim passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, the seat of the Ismaili Imamat, surrounded by his family. A funeral service is expected to take place in the coming days.
The new Aga Khan, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, is the eldest son of Prince Karim and Begum Salimah, a British ex-model who converted to Islam. Educated in the United States and based in Switzerland, Prince Rahim has played a key role in the Aga Khan Development Network, serving on various boards and leading environmental and climate change initiatives.
Under his leadership, AKDN is expected to continue expanding humanitarian efforts, focusing on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Prince Rahim is married to Kendra Spears, a former American fashion model, and they share two sons. As the new hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, he will guide the community into a new era, upholding the values of service, education, and social welfare.
The passing of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV has been met with profound condolences from leaders across Canada.
Shafqat Ali, MP for Brampton Centre, shared his heartfelt tribute:
“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan, spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called him ‘an extraordinarily compassionate global leader, a man of vision, faith, and incredible generosity.’ The Government of Canada has been a partner of the Aga Khan Development Network for decades, improving countless lives through initiatives in healthcare, education, and economic development in Canada and around the world. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Aga Khan’s profound impact on global humanitarian efforts will continue under Prince Rahim’s leadership, ensuring that the legacy of compassion, service, and development endures for generations to come.