LISBON:
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V officially acceded to the 50th hereditary imam of the Shiite Muslim community during a historic ceremony held in Diwan of Imamat Ismaili in Lisbon, Portugal.
The event, assisted by the world leaders of the Ismaili community, marked the official transition of leadership after the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
During the ceremony, Ismailis leaders around the world promised spiritual allegiance to the new Imam on behalf of the world Ismaille community.
The important opportunity has been broadcast live in the Jamatkhanas (gathering places) in more than 35 countries, allowing Ismailis worldwide to participate virtually.
In his speech, Aga Khan will pay tribute to his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, and expressed his gratitude to his family for their support.
He also thanked the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their recognition of his father’s contributions and to facilitate worthy funeral arrangements.
Addressing the international community for the first time as an Imam, Aga Khan V is committed to devoting his life to care to spiritual and material well-being of Ismaili Jamat.
He underlined the fundamental principles of the Muslim faith Ismaili, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between spiritual responsibilities and the world.
His message was focused on the universal values of peace, tolerance, inclusion and humanitarian services, urging his disciples to contribute actively to the societies in which they live.
He also called on the Ismaili community to play a leadership role in the fight against climate change, stressing the need for environmental responsibility.
Having been deeply involved in the Aga Khan development network (AKDN) for decades, Aga Khan V has committed to continuing to promote stability while adopting a measured change.
He reaffirmed his commitment to maintain solid partnerships with governments and international organizations, according to his father’s footsteps to promote peace, stability and sustainable development.
