New Leadership for the Ismailis

Rahim Al-Hussaini, now Aga Khan V and 50th Imam of the Ismailis, inherits the mantle of the religious leader from his father. He is named the new Aga Khan after his father's passing in Portugal. Rahim's designation as the spiritual head happens 1, 300 years into the dynasty's history. Rahim, at 53, is educated in the United States with a background in comparative literature from Brown University. His recent appointment follows the late Aga Khan IV's legacy. Aga Khan IV had been a significant figure since his grandfather, the Aga Khan III, nominated him in 1957. In his role, Rahim is expected to uphold the Aga Khan Development Network's mission of tackling issues such as healthcare, housing, and education globally. The network operates in over 30 countries with a budget exceeding one billion dollars annually. Rahim has shown a keen interest in combating climate change and preserving nature, aligning with his father's efforts to build hospitals and improve economies in numerous countries. These countries include Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The Ismaili community, spread across various continents from Iran to North America, values the Aga Khan's role as a spiritual and practical guide. They are inspired by his "divinely-inspired knowledge" to interpret the Quran. This is a tradition of pledging a portion of their income to support the Aga Khan’s work. Rahim is the oldest of three siblings. He has two brothers and one sister.