AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

Freedom from error. Shi’a belief in the Imams’ infallibility includes their freedom from sin and their reliable interpretation of Islam.

Free from error. Muslims regard the Qur'an as an infallible source of religious guidance.

The baptism of a baby or young child, welcoming them into the Christian community before they can personally profess their faith.

A chain of causes extending backwards without a first cause.

Prayer expressed in a believer’s own words rather than a set text; it may be spontaneous.

Christian worship with a spontaneous or less formal style, allowing worshippers to express their faith freely.

Unfair treatment, including the denial or violation of people’s rights.

An uprising against the established authorities. Mark places Barabbas among rebels involved in an uprising in which murder had been committed.

The purpose or aim behind what someone chooses to do.

Prayer asking God to help other people.

An additional charge paid by a borrower for the use of borrowed money.

The process of establishing the meaning of a text, including consideration of its language, purpose and historical setting.

A substance, such as alcohol or a recreational drug, that can cloud awareness and impair judgement.

Worth that something has in itself, regardless of whether it is useful to humans.

Hell: the place of punishment and suffering after Allah’s judgement.

Paradise: the heavenly reward associated with peace, happiness and closeness to Allah.

Quiet or silent repetition of a mantra, often counted using a string of beads.

A caste or community group, usually inherited through birth; distinct from the broader fourfold classification of varna.

The angel who communicates Allah’s revelation to prophets, including bringing the Qur’an to Muhammad.

The personal or collective struggle against evil and effort to live according to Allah’s will.

Liberation attained while a person is still living in a physical body.

The spiritual path of knowledge, involving study, reflection, meditation and insight.

The belief that God assesses people’s conduct and holds them accountable for their actions.

God's assessment of a person's life, associated with their destiny in the afterlife.

The time when Christians believe God will judge humanity.

The congregational Muslim prayer held on Fridays.

Fair and morally right. Christians believe that God judges people fairly.