A unique perspective on the Ahmadiyya Jama’at
Dr Simon Valentine, a renowned teacher and writer based in Bradford, offers an unparalleled exploration into the history, beliefs, and practices of this distinct Muslim reform group. His book, "Islam & the Ahmadiyya Jama’at" [Hurst & Co, 2008], stems from two years of immersive living amongst the Ahmadi community in Leeds Road, Bradford, attending meetings, sharing hospitality, and extensive research at their headquarters in Qadian, India, and Rabwah, Pakistan.
Unlocking Muslim culture and faith
Dr Valentine provides unique insights into Muslim culture, practice, and faith. His book delves into the life, claims, and teachings of Ghulam Mirza Ahmad (1835-1908), the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at. It chronicles the movement's worldwide history and its presence in Bradford, examining the structure and hierarchy of the Ahmadi community, the significant role of women in Islam, and the challenges faced by Muslims integrating into British society. Readers will also gain an intimate understanding of life within an Ahmadi mosque.
Differentiating beliefs: Prophethood and jihad
In a lively and informed manner, the book explains the distinctive beliefs of the Ahmadiyya. While mainstream Muslims generally believe Muhammad is the greatest and the last of the prophets, the Ahmadi, although accepting Muhammad as the greatest prophet, teach that there can be other, albeit lesser, prophets. Rejecting the rhetoric of violence declared by militant Islam, the Ahmadi also teach that true jihad is "to struggle" for righteousness, to fight with the pen in rational debate, rather than fight with the sword or Kalashnikov.
The persecuted faith: Insights from Dr Valentine
Due mainly to their founder's claims of being a prophet and their insistence on “prophecy after the Prophet”, the Ahmadi are a persecuted people. Drawing from visits to Lahore, Faisalabad, Rabwah, and other cities in Pakistan, interviews with Ahmadi individuals in Britain, and official Home Office reports, Dr Valentine discusses specific cases of persecution and the problems faced by asylum seekers. The book also includes personal anecdotes from his travels abroad, such as his visit to the mountains of Kashmir, being held at gun-point by Kashmiri militia, and exploring Srinigar to visit the alleged tomb of Jesus. This research examines the Ahmadi claims that Jesus escaped the Romans, travelled East, and died in Kashmir. As the only book written by a non-Ahmadi describing the history, beliefs, and practice of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at, it stands as a singular resource. Dr Valentine can be contacted at archegos@btinternet.com.
Published by Hurst &Co Columbia University Press, 2008
263 pages
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