Prince Rahim Aga Khan V accedes as 50th imam

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V formally acceded as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community in a historic ceremony held at The Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal.

The event, attended by global leaders of the Ismaili community, marked the official transition of leadership following the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

During the ceremony, Ismaili leaders from around the world pledged spiritual allegiance to the new Imam on behalf of the global Ismaili community.

The momentous occasion was livestreamed in Jamatkhanas (places of gathering) across more than 35 countries, allowing Ismailis worldwide to participate virtually.

In his address, Aga Khan V paid tribute to his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and expressed gratitude to his family for their support.

He also thanked the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their recognition of his father's contributions and for facilitating dignified funeral arrangements.

Speaking to the international community for the first time as their Imam, Aga Khan V pledged to dedicate his life to care for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat.

He underscored the core principles of the Ismaili Muslim faith, stressing the importance of maintaining a balance between spiritual and worldly responsibilities.

His message centred on universal values of peace, tolerance, inclusion and humanitarian service, urging his followers to actively contribute to the societies in which they live.

He also called upon the Ismaili community to take a leadership role in addressing climate change, stressing the need for environmental responsibility.

Having been deeply involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for decades, Aga Khan V pledged to continue fostering stability while embracing measured change.

He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with governments and international organisations, following in his father's footsteps to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.