Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been announced as 50th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims as designated by Shah Karim, according to an official announcement on Wednesday.
Prince Karim Aga Khan, known for his triumphs in horse racing, dazzling wealth and development work around the world, has died in Lisbon at the age of 88.
A post on the AKDN social media page said the announcement was made in Lisbon on Wednesday, where the late Imam’s will was read in the presence of his family and senior Jamati leaders.
“In keeping with the centuries-old tradition of nass — the formal designation of a successor — the mantle of leadership has now passed to Mawlana Shah Rahim Aga Khan V,” read a post on the Ismaili social media website.
The announcement adds that the new Imam inherits the spiritual and institutional leadership of the Ismaili community. As the community comes to terms with the loss of its beloved 49th Imam, it now looks to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V to guide them into a new era, the post on AKDN page said.
This is a developing story and is being updated with further details.
