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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aga Khan V is the hereditary title of Prince Shah Rahim al-Hussaini, who became the 50th imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims in 2025. He succeeded his father, Aga Khan IV, after his death on 4 February 2025. The title is associated with the Aga Khan Development Network and broader philanthropic work linked to the Ismaili community, which has a significant presence in Canada.

Early life and education

Shah Rahim al-Hussaini was born on 12 October 1971 in Geneva, Switzerland. He attended Phillips Academy Andover and later graduated from Brown University in 1995 with a degree in comparative literature.

Accession as Aga Khan V

He became Aga Khan V after the death of his father, Aga Khan IV, on 4 February 2025. He was recognized as the 50th hereditary imam of the Nizari Ismaili community.

Role in the Ismaili community

As imam, he is the spiritual leader of Nizari Ismaili Muslims. The role combines religious leadership with stewardship of community institutions and philanthropic activities.

Aga Khan Development Network

Aga Khan V is chair of the Aga Khan Development Network. The network is associated with the Ismaili community’s development and humanitarian work in several regions.

Key facts

  • He became the 50th hereditary imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims in 2025.
  • He succeeded his father, Aga Khan IV, after his death on 4 February 2025.
  • He is the eldest son of Aga Khan IV.
  • He was educated at Phillips Academy Andover and Brown University.
  • He serves as chair of the Aga Khan Development Network.
  • He is known by the title Aga Khan V as part of the hereditary line of Aga Khans.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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 his birth name?
His birth name is Shah Rahim al-Hussaini.
Where was he educated?
He attended Phillips Academy Andover and graduated from Brown University in 1995.
What is the Aga Khan Development Network?
It is a development and humanitarian network associated with the Ismaili community, which he chairs.

References

  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.