Prince Rahim Al-Husseini Assumes the 50th Ismaili Imamate After His Father’s Passing: What Do You Know About the “Assassins” Sect and Its Roots?
ALDAR/
On February 4, 2025, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili community, passed away in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, at the age of 88, surrounded by his family. Born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Prince Karim assumed the imamate in 1957 following the death of his grandfather, Aga Khan III, leading the community for more than six decades. His tenure focused on development, education, and healthcare through the Aga Khan Development Network, which aims to improve the quality of life in impoverished and marginalized communities worldwide. Following his passing, his eldest son, Prince Rahim Al-Husseini, assumed the 50th Ismaili imamate according to his father’s will. Prince Rahim holds a degree in Comparative Literature from Brown University and has served on the boards of multiple agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network. Aga Khan IV is set to be buried in Aswan, Egypt, a city with historical ties to the family, as his grandfather, Aga Khan III, was also buried there in 1957.
Ismailism is a branch of Shia Islam with roots tracing back to the 8th century AD. Its followers believe that the imamate continued through the lineage of Ismail ibn Ja’far al-Sadiq, as opposed to the Twelver Shia, who believe it passed to Musa al-Kadhim. The Ismaili sect played a pivotal role in Islamic history, particularly during the Fatimid era. The Fatimids established their state in North Africa in the 10th century AD, expanding their influence to Egypt, where they founded Cairo and Al-Azhar Mosque. Over time, the sect split into several branches, the most prominent being the Nizaris, whose imams today trace their lineage to Nizar ibn al-Mustansir Billah.
The Nizari Ismaili community is estimated to number in the millions, with followers spread across various regions, including India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Canada, parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In North Africa, the sect had significant influence during the Fatimid period, but its modern presence is limited to small pockets in Algeria and Libya, while it is nearly absent in Morocco. In sub-Saharan Africa, Ismailis are concentrated in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where the Aga Khan Development Network has contributed to social and economic development.
In the Arab world, Ismailis live in Syria and Yemen. The Yemeni branch is known as the “Makarima,” while Syrian Ismailis are primarily based in the city of Salamiyah. There are also Ismaili communities in the UAE and Oman, where they play a notable role in economic and educational activities. In Europe and North America, large numbers of Ismailis migrated during the 20th century, especially after political upheavals in Africa and Asia. They have established a strong presence in the UK, Canada, and the United States, running educational and charitable institutions through the Aga Khan Network.
The imamate is central to Ismaili belief, with the imam regarded as the spiritual and temporal leader of the community, possessing deep religious knowledge that enables him to guide his followers through changing times. With Prince Rahim Al-Husseini assuming the imamate, the community is expected to continue its developmental and educational initiatives established under Aga Khan IV. The focus remains on education, healthcare, economic development, and fostering intercultural dialogue. The passing of Aga Khan IV marks the loss of one of the community’s most influential modern leaders, but the continuity of the imamate ensures its ongoing mission, with great expectations for the future under the leadership of the 50th Imam, Aga Khan V.
