The wait is over. The Shia Ismaili Muslim community in Mumbai is celebrating the visit of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary imam or spiritual leader of the global Shia Ismailis. This is Prince Rahim’s first visit to India after his ascension to the Imamat (office of the Imam) after the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, on February 4, 2025.On his trip, Prince Rahim will meet governor Jishnu Dev Varma, CM Devendra Fadnavis and community members.The community is marking the occasion of their Imam’s maiden visit with a series of events—including Sufi qawwali nights, food distribution drives and community outreach.Apart from the celebrations, the Imam’s visit also serves “as a reminder of the responsibility of the community to be good citizens, embrace pluralism and build bridges across communities,” says Sophia Premjee, member, Aga Khan Council for India. “We are guided to live ethically, live responsibly, and be of service to others. These are values that our Imam has encouraged us to live by, not merely speak about.”Since the Imam is also Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which is engaged in initiatives such as early childhood development, education, climate resilience, rural development and livelihood enhancement for farmers and youth, the leader’s visit is being used to motivate members to engage in social work.“The chance to contribute to the wider community through the AKDN institutions is a wonderful opportunity to express our love for our country and the ethics of our faith,” explains Riyaaz Makaney, a former chairman of the Aga Khan Education Service India.Prince Rahim, who worked closely with his late father, has been lauded for his attention to AKDN’s poverty alleviation programmes.His visit, says senior community member and MLA Amin Patel, has greatly excited the community. “He is our Imam-e-Zamana (Imam of the time). The community is excited. He is meeting community members twice over the next two days, besides meeting the governor and CM,” says Patel.Patel was also present when Prince Rahim met Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin, son of Dawoodi Bohra head Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, on Saturday.“The meeting reflected the warmth and mutual respect that have long defined the relationship between our two communities. We discussed the shared paths our communities have taken in serving humanity—particularly through education, healthcare and welfare, and look forward to keeping that spirit alive,” says a Dawoodi Bohra community spokesperson.Mumbai holds special importance for the Ismaili Imamat. After the 46th Imam, Hassan Ali Shah, married the then Shah of Iran Fateh Ali Shah Qajar’s daughter in 1817, the Shah of Iran bestowed the title Aga Khan (commanding chief) on him.He became the Aga Khan I, who emigrated to India and settled in Mumbai in 1848. The Ismaili Imamat remained headquartered in Mumbai until Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, took it to Europe in the early 20th century. It is currently headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal.
