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 53-year-old was designated as the Aga Khan V,

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world. He will take on the role from his father Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Tuesday at the age of 88.

Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, died on February 4 in Lisbon, Portugal at age 88. As founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan IV was one of architecture’s greatest patrons.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday extended deepest condolences at the passing away of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community.

Hussaini, the Aga Khan — the title given to the imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a branch of Shia Islam — died February 4 in Lisbon at the age of 88. He led a major development aid foundation.

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

At the age of 20, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini inherited the reins of a Shia Muslim lineage and used his entrepreneurship to become one of the world’s richest hereditary rulers.

The Aga Khan "evolved into a business magnate and a philanthropist, moving between the spiritual and the worldly with ease," The Associated Press said. "Urbane, cosmopolitan and often media-averse," the Times said,

Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, leading the Ismaili Muslim community after his father's passing. Educated in the United States, he has actively participated in the Aga Khan Development Network,

Pakistan has extended deepest condolences at the passing away of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.