Global Ismaili Muslims pledge allegiance to Prince Rahim Aga Khan during Takht-Nishini

LISBON: Ismaili Muslims from around the world pledged allegiance to their 50th hereditary Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, during his Takht-Nishini (ceremonial enthronement) held in Lisbon on Tuesday.

The Takht-Nishini is a formal ceremony where the new Imam is officially presented with the robe of Imamat, a copy of the Holy Quran, a sword, and other items of religious significance, symbolising his spiritual and temporal leadership.

After the Takht-Nishini ceremony, the Imam is formally and globally recognised as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community while his Murid pledge their total submission and allegiance to their new spiritual leader.

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V assumed the role of the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims following the designation by his predecessor and father, Imam Shah Karim al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV.

Aga Khan IV died in the Portuguese capital, where he had established the global headquarters of the Ismaili Shias in 2015. He held British and Portuguese nationalities, as well as honorary Canadian citizenship, a distinction rarely given.

When his grandfather Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan died in 1957, he became the imam of the Ismaili Muslims, a branch of Shia Islam, at the age of 20. This was the first time that that the line of succession was skipped since the seventh century to appoint a “young man” of the “new age”. The Ismaili Imams are regarded by their followers as direct descendents of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) through his cousin and son-in-law Hazar Ali and daught Fatima.

According to an official statement issued earlier by the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, “Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V is the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, as designated by Mawlana Shah Karim in accordance with the historical Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim tradition and practice of nass (designation by the preceding Imam). The announcement was made in the presence of the Imam’s family and senior Jamati leaders in Lisbon on 5 February 2025, following the reading of Mawlana Shah Karim’s Will. The Nur of Imamat, in unbroken hereditary succession from Hazrat Mawlana Ali (peace be upon him), is vested in our 50th Imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V.”

Born on 12 October 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, Prince Irfan (b. 2015) and Prince Sinan (b. 2017), from his former wife, Princess Salwa.

Commitment to Service and Institutional Development

Addressing the Takht-Nishini ceremony, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V reaffirmed his commitment to working with governments and global institutions to enhance the well-being of communities, particularly his Murid (followers). He emphasized strengthening existing institutions to tackle contemporary challenges and announced plans to establish new initiatives to cater to the needs of Ismaili Muslims and broader communities worldwide.

The 50th Imam placed a strong focus on poverty alleviation and social development, particularly in regions where economic hardship is most pronounced. He urged his Murid to foster interfaith harmony, build bridges with other communities, and uphold mutual respect for all religious beliefs.

Prince Shah Rahim Al-Husseini Address to Followers

In his address to his followers, Shah Rahim al-Hussaini emphasized faith, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

The new Imam also urged his Murids to care for the elderly and differently-abled people, underlining a commitment to compassion, sympathy and community welfare.

He also called for a shift from mere obedience to what he termed “engaged citizenship”— a phrase he used twice, signalling its significance in his vision.

Focus on Climate Change and Global Cooperation

In his speech, Prince Rahim also underscored the urgent need to address climate change, advocating for a collective global effort to mitigate its effects, particularly in vulnerable regions. He called for the mobilization of resources to combat environmental challenges and safeguard future generations.

Expressing gratitude for the condolences and support he received following the passing of his father, the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, Prince Rahim extended special thanks to world leaders, governments, and dignitaries. He acknowledged, in particular, the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their cooperation and support in facilitating his father’s final rites and burial.

With the Takht-Nishini ceremony marking the beginning of his Imamat, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V is set to continue the legacy of service, education, and humanitarian efforts championed by his predecessors.