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Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Named 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims

Pursuant to the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and the unsealing of his Last Will and Testament, his eldest son, Prince Rahim al-Hussaini was today named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
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His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 1936-2025

The governors, faculty, staff, students and volunteers of The Institute of Ismaili Studies offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to identify and address pressing ethical and intellectual questions faced by Muslim communities around the world.
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About us

The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) was established in 1977 as an academic institution of higher education. It is dedicated to the study of Islam with a particular focus on the history, philosophy, law, and mysticism of Ismaili and broader Shiʿi intellectual and cultural heritages within the larger Muslim society.

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Graduate studies

The IIS currently offers two graduate programmes which attract students from Ismaili communities world-wide.

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Short Courses

Our Short Courses are designed to introduce participants to a social, cultural, and civilisational approach to the study of Islam and Muslim societies, with a particular focus on Ismaili contexts.

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Fellowships and Scholarships

The Institute offers various scholarship and fellowship programmes to suitable candidates with a focus on Islamic studies or other areas of interest to the IIS.

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Discover our research

Research at IIS seeks to contribute to the field of Islamic studies in general, with a particular focus on Shiʿi and Ismaili studies.

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Explore our publications

The Institute of Ismaili Studies publishes works by its own scholars as well as from the academic community outside the Institute.

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Event

“Songs of the Sufi” film screening

The Institute of Ismaili Studies is pleased to present this multi-award-winning film at the Aga Khan Centre. Join us for an exclusive screening followed by a moderated discussion with producers Kamran Moin Anwar and Professor Katherine Butler Schofield.

Book your place
Podcast

The voices of history: from Zanzibar to London

Discover the inspiring journey of Professor Farouk Topan, a founding faculty member of The Institute of Ismaili Studies, as he reflects on his cosmopolitan upbringing in Zanzibar and the Takht Nashini of His Highness the Aga Khan. Gain unique insights into the early years of IIS through his unique lens.

Hear the stories behind the history
Podcast

Dr Alí-de-Unzaga discusses the Islamic Gardens at King’s Cross on BBC’s Beyond Belief

Dr Omar Alí-de-Unzaga joins host Giles Fraser, The Revd Lucy Winkett, and Ai Hishii to discuss the religious significance of gardens on BBC’s Beyond Belief.

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Latest News

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05 Feb 2025

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Named 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims

04 Feb 2025

His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 1936-2025

29 Jan 2025

Dissertation Writing Scholarship Awarded

02 Jan 2025

Mufti Dr Nazirudin Nasir and his team from MUIS visit the Aga Khan Centre

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