Prince Rahim Aga Khan marked his first birthday as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on 12 October 2025 by participating in the Chicago Marathon, coinciding with the global community’s celebration of his Salgirah Mubarak.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan was born on 12 October 1971 in Geneva, the 50th hereditary Imam after his father, His Highness Aga Khan IV, passed away on February 4, 2025, earlier this year. He was appointed according to the Ismaili practice of Nass, or the official title of succession.
The Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s birthday this year is historic because it is the first Salgirah he has had since becoming the Imam. Ismaili communities worldwide, whether in Pakistan or East Africa and Canada, celebrated the day through prayers, community gatherings, and gratitude.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, and other parts they were decorated with lights and banners in Jamat Khanas. Cake cutting events, special prayers and cultural performances were arranged to celebrate the day. People greeted each other with Salgirah Mubarak Prince Rahim Aga Khan which also indicated unity and piety to their religious leader.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan Joins Chicago Marathon on His Birthday
On the same day, Prince Rahim Aga Khan was listed among participants of the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which took place on October 12, coinciding with his birthday. The marathon’s timing symbolically aligned with his message of endurance, balance, and service — qualities often associated with the principles of the Ismaili Imamat.
Although official Ismaili sources do not show his involvement publicly, charity organizations and running courses like Haymakers for Hope have listed Prince Rahim Aga Khan in a number of international marathons including the Berlin and Lisbon circuits.
Salgirah Mubarak Prince Rahim Aga Khan were the messages shared by the followers over digital platforms, community pages, and Jamat networks as they posted prayers and thoughts about his leadership journey.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan, who was educated at Phillips Academy (Andover) and Brown University and studied additional management at IESE Business School, Barcelona, manages a number of development and humanitarian organizations within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The decision to run a marathon as a means to exercise physical strength and devote himself to spiritualism by holding conferences all over the world is a major milestone in his leadership as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.
