Ahmadiyya Islam and the Muslim Diaspora: Living at the End of Days

This book explores the UK-based Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the context of the twentieth-century South Asian diaspora, focusing on their balance of faith, community, and modern life. It examines ceremonial occasions, asylum claims, and mosque building as ways to establish a home within the diaspora.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of the UK-based Ahmadiyya Muslim community, situated within the vibrant tapestry of the twentieth-century South Asian diaspora. Rooted in the late nineteenth-century Punjab, the Ahmadis have emerged as a dynamic and global religious movement, while also facing relentless persecution in Pakistan, the country that once embraced them after India's partition in 1947.

Organized as a series of compelling case studies, this insightful work explores the delicate balance the Ahmadis strike between the demands of faith, community, and modern life in the diaspora. The chapters delve into various aspects, shedding light on the utilization of ceremonial occasions to foster a diverse and interconnected international community. They also examine the paradoxical persistence of dreams and charisma within the confines of an institutional bureaucracy. Furthermore, the book delves into the complexities of asylum claims, highlighting how the plight of asylum seekers has been strategically employed to elevate the Ahmadis on the UK political stage. Additionally, it explores the role of mosque planning and construction in creating a sense of belonging within the diaspora.

Drawing upon extensive fieldwork conducted over several years in diverse formal and informal contexts, this timely book holds immense appeal to an interdisciplinary audience spanning social and cultural anthropology, South Asian studies, the study of Islam and Muslims in Europe, refugee, asylum, and diaspora studies, as well as religious studies and history. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics and experiences of this marginalized yet resilient community, contributing to our understanding of the broader South Asian diaspora and the intricate interplay between religion, culture, and identity.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032400730