Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V Assumes Leadership As 50th Hereditary Imam Of Shia Ismailis

The accession ceremony of  Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims was held on Tuesday, February 11, in Lisbon, Portugal.

The private religious ceremony at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat, the office of the Aga Khan was attended by members of Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s family and leaders of the global Ismaili community. 

The new Aga Khan assumed the title following the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismailis on February 4.  The 49th Imam was buried at his family mausoleum in Aswan, Egypt, on February 9.  

According to a statement issued by the community, in 2018, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV designated the Henrique de Mendonça Palace, Lisbon, as the seat of the Ismaili Imamat, to be known as the “Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat”. The term Diwan is an Arabic, Indian, and Persian term that means the court or chief administrative office of the Imam.

The accession ceremony marks the formal assumption by the Shia Ismaili Imam, of his role, following the passing of his predecessor. The ceremony consists of religious recitations, the presentation and donning of insignia of office, and the pledging of spiritual allegiance by leaders of the Ismaili community on behalf of all Ismailis around the world.