Dr Simon Valentine, a teacher and writer based in Bradford, in a recently published book Islam & the Ahmadiyya Jama´at, [Hurst & Co, 2008, pp. 270, £25] describes the history, beliefs and practice of this Muslim reform group. Having lived amongst the Ahmadi in the Leeds Road area of Bradford for two years, regularly attending meetings at the Ahmadi mosque and enjoying hospitality in Ahmadi homes, and having spent time at their headquarters at Qadian in India and Rabwah in Pakistan Dr Valentine provides unique insights into Muslim culture, practice and faith. Following an account of the life, claims and teaching of Ghulam Mirza Ahmad (1835-1908) the founder of the Ahmadiyya jama´at, the book considers the history of the Ahmadi movement world-wide and in the city of Bradford; the structure and hierarchy of the Ahmadi community; the role of women in Islam; the problems faced by Muslims integrating into British society, and life in the Ahmadi mosque. |