“The Ismaili Imamat is a supra-national entity, representing the succession of Imams since the time of the Prophet Muhammad.” Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan (IV), spoke these words in the Canadian Parliament in 2014. He passed away in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
The world has just witnessed his eldest son, Mawlana Shah Rahim, His Highness the Aga Khan (V), succeed to the throne of Imamat after him. This succession in the Prophet’s progeny is one of two Weighty Matters mentioned in a famous tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his progeny), the other being the Holy Qur’an.
In the following message, the new Imam, 50th in direct lineage from Imam Ali, the first Imam, reflects on events that followed his father’s passing, which he described as “fitting, simple and beautiful.” The new Imam also expresses his profound gratitude to the community, its leaders, and volunteers for the flawless manner in which the events took place in Lisbon and Aswan.
Message from Mawlana Hazar Imam, Shah Rahim Al Hussaini
“Our tradition of volunteer service and its effectiveness is a source of enormous strength for our community, and I feel fortunate to be able to call on this for the benefit of my Jamat” — Prince Rahim Aga Khan, February 18, 2025.
The past two weeks have been deeply emotional for the Ismaili community, and for all those around the world who had known my father or been touched by his work. I am awed by the outpourings of affection and respect for my father and the impact he made during his lifetime. His is indeed an immense legacy for us all to carry on.
On behalf of my family and me, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for the outstanding way in which our community immediately and seamlessly arranged the events that took place in Lisbon and Aswan. Beyond the flawless execution of the events themselves, millions of people in over 70 countries were able to participate through video streaming, images, and narration on The Ismaili digital channels.
Well done to all invoved…Our tradition of volunteer service and its effectiveness is a source of enormous strength for our community, and I feel fortunate to be able to call on this for the benefit of my Jamat — Prince Rahim Aga Khan, February 18, 2025.
Organising this involved a small number of our staff, and a huge number of volunteers working around the clock, with a clear unifying goal of holding a graceful series of events made widely accessible to the community wherever physically possible. This was done with sensitivity and care for all those participating.
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My uncle, siblings, our children, and I see and appreciate all those who were involved – not just the leaders who were dealing directly with my family and me, but every single person who contributed, wherever they are.
Our tradition of volunteer service and its effectiveness is a source of enormous strength for our community, and I feel fortunate to be able to call on this for the benefit of my Jamat.
Beyond the flawless execution of the events themselves, millions of people in over 70 countries were able to participate through video streaming, images, and narration on The Ismaili digital channels — Prince Rahim Aga Khan, February 18, 2025.
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Well done to all involved, and especially to the handful of senior leaders who worked day and night to orchestrate all of this, and who provided tremendous support to my family and stable leadership to the community at this critical and difficult time. Knowing that we can rely on each other at a time like this is a source of the greatest comfort and reassurance.
My sincerest thanks again to all those involved in making the events of the last two weeks fitting, simple, and beautiful.
Aga Khan
Date posted: February 20, 2025.
Last updated: April 05, 2025.
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