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.

By bnm Tehran bureau Prince Rahim al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, becoming spiritual leader of 15mn Ismaili Muslims following the death of his father in Lisbon aged 88. The 53-year-old was appointed in his father's will unsealed on February 5 as the fifth Aga Khan and 50th imam of the Nizari Ismaili branch of Shia Islam,

Mumbai: Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been named as the 50th hereditary Imam or spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, following the unsealing of the Will of his late father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died in Lisbon, Portugal on Tuesday, aged 88.