Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Officially Becomes 50th Imam of the Ismaili Community
LISBON:
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has officially assumed the role of the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community in a historic ceremony at The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal.
The ceremony, attended by senior Ismaili leaders from around the world, marked the formal transition of leadership following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
During the event, representatives of the global Ismaili community renewed their spiritual allegiance to the new Imam, symbolizing their unity and commitment to his leadership.
To ensure global participation, the event was broadcast live in Jamatkhanas across more than 35 countries, allowing Ismailis worldwide to witness this significant moment.
In his inaugural address, Aga Khan V honored the legacy of his late father and expressed deep appreciation for the support of his family. He also acknowledged the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their recognition of Prince Karim Aga Khan IVβs contributions and their assistance in organizing his funeral with dignity.
Speaking as the newly appointed Imam, Aga Khan V reaffirmed his dedication to the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili community. He emphasized the importance of balancing faith with worldly responsibilities while upholding the core values of peace, inclusion, and service to humanity.
He also called on the Ismaili community to take an active role in combating climate change, highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.
With years of experience in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Aga Khan V pledged to continue fostering stability and progress while remaining committed to partnerships with governments and global organizations. He reaffirmed his mission to promote peace, development, and humanitarian initiatives, following the path set by his father.
