LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Rahim Al-Hussaini was named Wednesday as the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father. The Aga Khan is considered by his followers to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is treated as a head of state.

People carry the coffin of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV and 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, who died Tuesday in Portugal, to be buried at the Aga Khan mausoleum, in Aswan, Egypt, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Haytham Fahmy)

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has been named the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his late father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. In keeping with the historical tradition, he now assumes leadership of the estimated 15 million Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims worldwide following the passing of his father on Tuesday,

A burial service for Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims, was held in the southern Egyptian province of Aswan on Sunday. After a procession through the streets, his body was carried down the Nile in a white boat.

Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV, was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Aswan, Egypt. His son, Rahim Al-Hussaini, has been named Aga Khan V, continuing the Ismaili Muslim spiritual leadership. World leaders attended a service in Lisbon.