AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The position that a pregnant woman should have the right to decide whether to continue her pregnancy.

Having children.

The position that unborn human life should be protected, generally involving opposition to abortion.

Having many different sexual partners or sexual relationships.

The land of Canaan promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, understood in Judaism as their promised homeland.

A message believed to come from God through a prophet; it may include promises or warnings about the future.

People who communicated God’s message. At the transfiguration, Elijah represents the prophetic tradition of Jewish scripture.

The principle that the expected good must outweigh the harm caused, and that force must not exceed what is necessary.

A prayer posture in which the forehead touches the ground, expressing humility and submission to Allah.

Keeping children safe from harm and meeting their needs.

An action expressing opposition to something, usually intended to bring about change.

The holy book known in Islam as the Zabur, believed to have been revealed by Allah to Dawud (David), containing songs and poems of praise.

Worship carried out together by a religious community, such as a congregation praying in a synagogue.

Worship in which a deity is honoured through offerings and acts of devotion.

A penalty imposed on an offender for breaking the law.

Amitabha Buddha’s realm, called Sukhavati or the ‘Land of Bliss’, where conditions are favourable for attaining enlightenment.

The temporary purification after death of those who die in God’s friendship but are not yet fully purified. Everyone in purgatory is assured of heaven.

Spiritual cleansing from sin or wrongdoing, sought through religious practices such as bathing in a sacred river.

One of the four legitimate aims of human life in Hinduism: dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

The direction towards Makkah which Muslims face during salah.

A person's level of well-being, including their health, happiness, suffering and ability to enjoy life.

The final holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be Allah's words revealed in Arabic to Muhammad through the angel Jibril.

A Jewish religious teacher and leader who usually leads synagogue worship.

Unfair treatment of a person or group because of their race or ethnicity.

Prejudice or discrimination based on race, skin colour or ethnic background, often involving the belief that one racial group is superior to another.

The Sikh code of conduct, which provides guidance on Sikh religious and community life.

The quality of activity, passion, desire and restlessness.