The Aga Khan IV, who died last week at the age of 88, was considered one of the wealthiest (and one of the best-connected) royals in the world. Now his son, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, has acceded to th

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world. He will take on the role from his father Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Tuesday at the age of 88.

People carry the coffin of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, who died Tuesday in Portugal, to be buried at the Aga Khan mausoleum, in Aswan, Egypt, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Haytham Fahmy)

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Rahim Al-Hussaini was named Wednesday as the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father. The Aga Khan is considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is treated as a head of state.

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. The 53-year-old was designated as the Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims,

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,

“Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was today named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday, aged 88,” the statement said.