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.

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world. He will take on the role from his father Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on Tuesday at the age of 88.

Rahim Al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, leading the Ismaili Muslim community after his father's passing. Educated in the United States, he has actively participated in the Aga Khan Development Network,

At the age of 20, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini inherited the reins of a Shia Muslim lineage and used his entrepreneurship to become one of the world’s richest hereditary rulers.

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

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V has been announced as 50th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims as designated by Shah Karim, according to an official announcement on Wednesday. Prince

The Aga Khan "evolved into a business magnate and a philanthropist, moving between the spiritual and the worldly with ease," The Associated Press said. "Urbane, cosmopolitan and often media-averse," the Times said,

Educated in the US Rahim Al-Hussaini is the eldest son of the former Aga Khan, who died in Portugal on Tuesday.

Rahim Al-Hussaini has been appointed as the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader for millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide. He was named Aga Khan V, becoming the 50th hereditary imam of the Shiite Ismaili Muslims,

The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the world's millions of Ismaili Muslims and a major philanthropist, has died. His son will succeed him.