Malik Merchant, Editor

Stories of three Hereditary Ismaili Imams: Aga Khan III, Aga Khan IV and Aga Khan V

Introduced by MALIK MERCHANT

A portrait of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III, wearing a traditional adorned robe and medals, showcasing his dignified presence.
48th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Late Highness Aga Khan III.

Sunday, November 2, 2025, marks the 148th anniversary of the birth of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. Born on November 2, 1877, he assumed the role of Imam at the remarkably young age of seven on August 17, 1885, a fact that never fails to inspire awe. His 72-year reign was the longest in Ismaili history. He passed away on July 11, 1957, and appointed his grandson, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, as the 49th Imam.

Aga Khan Silver Jubilee darbar Los Angeles
49th Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Shah Karim Shah, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV.

Born on December 13, 1936, Mawlana Shah Karim reigned for a total of 67 years, until his passing on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88, making him the oldest Imam in Ismaili history. Together, the 48th and 49th Imams served an astonishing total of 139 years.

rahim aga khan addressing Ismailis worldwide
50th and present Ismaili Imam, Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan V.

Mawlana Shah Karim’s successor is his eldest son, Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan V. Since becoming the 50th Imam earlier this year, he has visited his Ismaili communities in France, Kenya, and Uganda and is scheduled to visit them in the USA and Portugal from November 5-10 and December 1-4, 2025, respectively.

We present stories of the three Imams, which provide a comprehensive and enlightening picture of their lives and guidance to the Ismailis as well as their contributions to the world at large, in all aspects of human endeavour. The stories will ensure that you are well-informed about their legacy.

Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Late Highness Aga Khan III

A historic portrait of Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, His Highness the Aga Khan III, wearing ceremonial attire adorned with medals and a sash.
His Late Highness Aga Khan III

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His Late Highness Aga Khan IV and the Ismailis by Rizwan Mawani
and
My Hero: His Late Highness Highness Aga Khan IV by Andrew Kosorok

Aga Khan Silver Jubilee darbar Los Angeles
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV.

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Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan V

rahim aga khan addressing Ismailis worldwide
His Highness the Aga Khan V.

Date posted: November 2, 2025.
Last updated: November 3, 2025 (date typo).

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