Following the death of Aga Khan IV, the debate about the new spiritual leader of Ismailii Muslims globally has ended as Prince Rahim, the son of Aga Khan IV, was appointed as his successor on Wednesday.
The late Aga Khan, who was 88 years old and recognized for his significant contributions to both business and philanthropy, passed away on Tuesday.
Following the unsealing of his will, Prince Rahim was designated as his successor, as reported by the Aga Khan Development Network.
Now known as Aga Khan V, Prince Rahim will lead a Shiite Muslim lineage that traces its ancestry back to the Prophet Muhammad. The Ismaili Muslim community, which numbers between 12 million and 15 million, is spread across more than 35 countries, including Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
The family’s wealth, along with that of Ismaili institutions, is substantial, with estimates of their fortune ranging from $1 billion to $13 billion, encompassing a diverse array of assets such as airlines, racehorses, and newspapers.
The Aga Khan IV was among the wealthiest hereditary leaders in the world, with a portion of his wealth derived from a form of tithe imposed on his followers.
He was known for his luxurious lifestyle, which included breeding horses and maintaining friendships with royalty. However, the family and the Ismaili community are also recognized for their extensive humanitarian efforts worldwide, including the establishment of hospitals and universities.
By appointing his son as his successor, the late Aga Khan has reaffirmed the family’s commitment to tradition.
In 1957, his grandfather, Aga Khan III, chose him as a successor, bypassing other descendants, emphasizing the necessity for a youthful perspective to navigate a rapidly evolving world.
At that time, his grandson was a 20-year-old studying Islamic history at Harvard.
