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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
People File • Religious Leader

Aga Khan V

Aga Khan V is the hereditary title of Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, the 50th imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, who succeeded his father in 2025.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Aga Khan V is Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, the 50th hereditary imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims. He succeeded his father, Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

Who is Aga Khan V?

Born on 12 October 1971 in Geneva, Switzerland, he is the eldest son of Aga Khan IV. He attended Phillips Academy Andover and graduated from Brown University in 1995 with a degree in comparative literature. He became the 50th imam of the Nizari Ismaili community after his father's death on 4 February 2025.

What is his role?

As imam, he is both the spiritual leader of Nizari Ismaili Muslims and chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The AKDN is a family of institutions focused on development and humanitarian work, with strong ties to Canadian institutions.

Why does he matter to Canada?

Canada is home to a large Ismaili community. The Aga Khan Development Network has long-standing partnerships with Canadian universities, aid agencies, and public institutions. The new imam’s leadership continues this legacy of engagement with Canadian society.

In short

  • Became 50th Nizari Ismaili imam in 2025.
  • Succeeded his father, Aga Khan IV.
  • Chairs the Aga Khan Development Network.
  • Has significant ties to Canada through the Ismaili community and AKDN.
Canadian angle

Aga Khan V is relevant to Canadian readers because the Ismaili community has a significant presence in Canada, and the Aga Khan Development Network has long-standing ties to Canadian institutions and public life.

Quick questions

Who is Aga Khan V?
Aga Khan V is Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, the 50th hereditary imam and spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims.
When did Aga Khan V become imam?
He succeeded to the imamate in February 2025 after the death of his father, Aga Khan IV.
What is the Aga Khan Development Network?
It is a development and humanitarian network associated with the Ismaili community, which he chairs.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aga_Khan_V
    Supports: Birth name, title, succession, and general identity.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aga-Khan-V
    Supports: Biography, education, succession, and role as Nizari imam.
  3. Aga Khan Development Network — https://the.akdn/en/who-we-are/our-chair
    Supports: Official statement of his role as chair and his succession.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3ndgd6076o
    Supports: Announcement of his appointment after his father's death.