Khalilzada Shah Karim al-Husayni who Succeeds as the 49th Ismaili Imam
Mumbai, India – In a historic development, the Ismaili diaspora and the global Islamic community has welcomed the appointment of Prince Shah Karim al-Husayni, the oldest son of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, as the new leader of the Ismaili community. This move comes after the death of the 49th Ismaili Imam, Syed Ata Husayn, on July 31, 2021.
Prince Shah Karim, commonly known as Prince Karim Aga Khan, is a highly respected and well-versed spiritual leader, who has been groomed for this role. He has been actively involved in the spiritual and social leadership of the Ismaili community, with significant experience in guiding and guiding the community’s various social, educational, and philanthropic initiatives.
Prince Shah Karim, born on October 13, 1952, is the eldest son of the 48th Ismaili Imam, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, and is a direct descendant of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. His illustrious lineage has been instrumental in shaping his spiritual and leadership path.
As the 49th Ismaili Imam, Prince Karim is expected to provide spiritual guidance, as well as leadership and direction, to the Ismaili community, which is spread across the globe, with significant presence in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. He will also continue to promote the values of Islam, spirituality, and community service, which are at the core of Ismaili teachings and values.
In his new role, Prince Karim will also lead the Aga Khan Foundation, a global development organization, which focuses on empowering communities, promoting education, healthcare, and economic development, and, most importantly, promoting peace, tolerance, and equality among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The appointment of Prince Karim follows a traditional and consultative process, involving respected spiritual leaders and senior members of the Ismaili community. The selection process has been guided by traditional practices and protocols, which ensure the continuity and smooth transition of leadership within the community.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Karim emphasized, "We are all part of the same human family, and we must strive to build bridges, not walls, between nations and communities. Let us work together to promote understanding, tolerance, and unity, and to fulfill the blessings of our faith."
As the new Aga Khan, Prince Karim will continue to lead the Ismaili community and promote the values of peace, compassion, and dialogue, which have been the hallmark of the Ismaili imams for centuries. His leadership will be guided by the principles of justice, equality, and social harmony, ensuring a brighter future for the Ismaili community and the world at large.
