Meet Nation Media Group’s New Owner

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed as the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of approximately 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims worldwide.

He takes over from his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, where the Ismaili Imamat is based. The transition was confirmed following the unsealing of Prince Karim’s will, marking a pivotal moment in the community’s leadership.

A New Era of Leadership

Now known as Aga Khan V, Prince Rahim becomes the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, a lineage that traces its origins to the Prophet Muhammad. The Ismailis, a branch of Shia Islam, hold a deep historical connection to Imam Ismail, who lived in the 8th century.

With significant Ismaili populations in Pakistan (approximately 500,000), India, Afghanistan, and Africa, as well as diaspora communities in Europe and North America, Prince Rahim steps into a global leadership role with far-reaching influence.

Legacy of Aga Khan IV

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV led the Ismaili community for 68 years, assuming the Imamat in 1957 at the age of 20 after succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III. His tenure was marked by modernization efforts and extensive philanthropic contributions through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The AKDN, a vast network of charitable organizations, has played a crucial role in advancing healthcare, education, rural development, and cultural preservation in developing nations. Under his leadership, the network established hundreds of hospitals, schools, and cultural institutions, significantly improving the lives of many.

Beyond philanthropy, Prince Karim was a notable business figure, with Forbes estimating his wealth at around $1 billion in 2008. His interests spanned hotels, telecommunications, and thoroughbred horse breeding. He was a prominent owner and breeder of racehorses in the UK, France, and Ireland, famously associated with the legendary racehorse Shergar.

The New Aga Khan’s Vision

Prince Rahim, the eldest son of Prince Karim and his first wife, Begum Salimah, has been actively involved in the AKDN for years. Educated in the United States and based in Switzerland, he currently chairs the AKDN’s Environment and Climate Committee, focusing on sustainability and poverty alleviation.

His leadership is expected to prioritize environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and addressing the needs of vulnerable communities—values closely aligned with those championed by his late father.

Married to former American fashion model Kendra Spears, now Princess Salwa, Prince Rahim has two sons. As he steps into his role as the Aga Khan, he carries the immense responsibility of guiding the Ismaili community while continuing a legacy of spiritual leadership, social progress, and global engagement.

This transition not only signifies a new chapter for the Ismaili community but also presents an opportunity to build on a strong foundation of humanitarian efforts in the 21st century.