Islam and the Ahmadiyya jamaʻat : history, belief, practice /

One of the central claims of the Ahmadiyya, a "heretical" sect of Islam founded in India in the late 19th century, is that their founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was a prophet to whom a new revelation was given--one designed to supplement, though not to replace, the Qur'an revealed to Muhammad in the seventh century. Such a claim, however, runs counter to the contention of historic mainline Islam, according to which Muhammad was the very last of the prophets. One of the distinctive features of this study is that Valentine (Bradford Univ.) attempts to write a critical introduction to the Ahmadiyya from within, or from what he calls the standpoint of a "participant observer." Twelve chapters deal with the movement's origins and history, principal beliefs, organization, internal divisions, view of women, and task of bringing in new converts. Although a fair amount has been written on this sect, Valentine's work may be considered the most reliable introduction to the Ahmadiyya currently available. Included is a useful glossary of technical terms. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. M. Swartz Boston University