A defining moment in the history of the Ismaili Muslim community took place today as Shah Rahim Al-Hussaini, Prince Aga Khan V, officially became the 50th hereditary Imam. His formal enthronement, or Takht-nishini, was held at the Ismaili Imamat’s Diwan in Lisbon, Portugal, signifying his assumption of spiritual leadership over millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
For the first time ever, the event was broadcast live to Ismaili Jamatkhanas and community centers across the globe, allowing millions of followers to witness this pivotal transition simultaneously. This shared experience of watching the ceremony underscored the unity and collective spirit of the community.
Attending the event were prominent Ismaili leaders, including the Chairman of the Ismaili Leaders’ International Forum (LIF) and the Presidents of various National Ismaili Councils. They offered their formal pledges of allegiance to the new Imam, reaffirming the enduring legacy of the hereditary Imamat, which traces its roots to Hazrat Mawlana Ali, the first Imam of the Shia tradition.
As part of the traditional enthronement ceremony, Aga Khan V was presented with significant symbols of leadership, including the Holy Qur’an, the Ismaili Constitution, a ceremonial sword, and an inkwell. These items represent both spiritual authority and the Imam’s role in guiding the community. The ceremony also featured recitations of key Quranic verses and prayers in various languages, such as Arabic, Persian, Dari, and South Asian munajats, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the Ismaili faith.
In his inaugural speech, Aga Khan V expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, the Ismaili community, and his late father, Aga Khan IV. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the spiritual and material welfare of the Ismailis, emphasizing principles such as peace, social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership. He also called upon Ismailis to take an active role in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change.
As a token of respect, a rare 16th-century manuscript titled Munajat Hazrat Ali Amir al-Mu’minin was presented to Aga Khan V. This manuscript, which includes prayers attributed to Hazrat Ali, is adorned with intricate gold detailing and Persian translations, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual heritage of the Ismaili community.
The enthronement not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Ismaili community but also reinforced its ongoing commitment to service, education, and humanitarian work under Aga Khan V’s leadership.
Aga Khan IV: A Legacy of Service and Global Contributions
The enthronement of Aga Khan V follows the passing of his father, His Highness Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, who died on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88. Having served for 67 years, Aga Khan IV was one of the longest-serving spiritual leaders in modern history, celebrated for his humanitarian contributions and his steadfast commitment to pluralism.
Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) grew into one of the world’s largest and most influential private development organizations. It operates in over 30 countries, focusing on education, healthcare, economic development, cultural preservation, and humanitarian relief.
Aga Khan IV’s efforts to improve healthcare were especially notable. His vision led to the establishment of Aga Khan University (AKU) and Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, Pakistan. AKUH, the first hospital in the region to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, became a pioneer in medical education and healthcare delivery, particularly in South Asia and East Africa.
He also championed the preservation of cultural heritage, overseeing the restoration of historical landmarks in countries such as Egypt, India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. These efforts ensured the integration of cultural history into modern development initiatives.
Following his passing, a state-like funeral ceremony was held at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon on February 8, 2025, attended by dignitaries, family, and community leaders. His funeral was a solemn occasion, reflecting his lifelong dedication to humanitarian work. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt, on February 9, overlooking the Nile River—an area of profound cultural and spiritual significance.
The Grant of ‘His Highness’ Title to Aga Khan V
In a long-standing tradition, Prince Aga Khan V has been granted the title “His Highness” by King Charles III of the United Kingdom. This title, which has been conferred upon each Imam of the Ismaili community, was formally granted on February 10, 2025, in recognition of Aga Khan V’s role as the 50th hereditary Imam and his spiritual leadership of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide.
The tradition of granting this title to the Imam began with Aga Khan I, the first hereditary Imam, and has continued with successive Imams. The British monarchy’s recognition of the Ismaili Imam’s leadership reflects the long-standing relationship between the Ismaili community and the United Kingdom. The title of “His Highness” was first awarded to Aga Khan III by Queen Victoria in 1886, when he was only 9 years old. This practice continued with Aga Khan IV, who was also granted the title by Queen Elizabeth II shortly after he assumed the role of Imam in 1957.
The conferring of the title “His Highness” to the new Imam signifies both the religious leadership of the Imam and his contributions to global development, including in education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue, aligning with the royal family’s recognition of the Ismaili Imams’ significant global influence.