President William Ruto has extended his congratulations to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V following his accession as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
In a telephone conversation, President Ruto affirmed Kenya’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Aga Khan leadership in various sectors, including education, health, and environmental conservation.
“I congratulated him for his accession as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Community and pledged to continue working together in the areas of education, health, environment, among others,” Ruto said.
The President also conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya following the passing of Prince Rahim’s father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who led the Ismaili community for over 67 years.
Accession Ceremony in Lisbon
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V formally assumed his role during an Accession Ceremony held at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal. The event was attended by global leaders of the Ismaili Muslim community and featured religious recitations, the presentation of insignia of office, and the pledging of spiritual allegiance by Ismaili leaders on behalf of their community worldwide.
The ceremony was livestreamed to Ismaili Jamatkhanas in over 35 countries, allowing Ismailis around the world to witness the historic transition of leadership.
In his inaugural address, the Aga Khan paid tribute to his late father and acknowledged the support of his family and the Ismaili community. He also expressed gratitude to the governments of Portugal and Egypt for their dignified handling of his father’s funeral and burial arrangements.
In his first public speech as Imam, Prince Rahim Aga Khan V reaffirmed his commitment to leading the Ismaili community with a focus on both spiritual and material well-being. He emphasized the importance of balancing faith and worldly matters while upholding the Ismaili values of peace, tolerance, inclusion, and social responsibility.
He encouraged Ismailis to be loyal and active citizens in their respective countries and to take a leading role in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change.
Having been actively involved in the Aga Khan Development Network for decades, the new Imam pledged to continue fostering strong partnerships with governments and institutions worldwide. He expressed his dedication to building on his father’s legacy of promoting peace, stability, and opportunities for communities across the globe.
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