AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The value, position and recognition given to women within a religious community, including their opportunities to participate and lead.

A fixed, oversimplified generalisation about the characteristics or behaviour of a group.

A medical procedure intended to permanently prevent a person from reproducing.

The belief that people should manage resources entrusted to them by God responsibly, including for the benefit of others.

A trained Christian volunteer from a local church who works in a team to care for, listen to and help people on the streets.

An obstacle built into social or economic conditions, such as low wages or discrimination, which limits a person's opportunities.

A Buddhist structure that may contain sacred relics and can serve as a focus for reverence and reflection.

Physical pain or mental and emotional distress.

The figure in Isaiah 53 whose suffering and silence Christians connect with Jesus’ suffering and refusal to defend himself.

The meal eaten before dawn in preparation for the daily fast.

Muhammad’s example and way of life, which guide Muslim belief and behaviour.

‘Emptiness’: the teaching that things lack an independent, permanent or fixed essence because they depend on other causes and conditions.

Prayer asking God for help or for something needed.

A chapter of the Qur'an, Islam's holy book.

Using resources in ways that allow future generations to meet their needs.

An approach to keeping people safe by meeting human needs and protecting the environment rather than relying on weapons and warfare.

A workplace where people work long hours for very low pay, often in poor conditions.

Understanding words in a religious text as symbols or metaphors rather than as literal instructions.

A Jewish place of worship, prayer and teaching where the scriptures are read and discussed.

Coming from the Phoenician region associated with Syria. Mark uses this description to identify the woman’s origin.

The Shi'a obligatory act of disassociating oneself from the enemies of Allah, Muhammad and his family.

The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, associated with God dwelling among them.

A Sikh seat of religious authority; the Five Takhts guide the Sikh community on matters of belief and practice.

The collection of rabbinic teachings and discussions interpreting Jewish law, made up of the Mishnah and Gemara; a central record of the oral law.

The quality of ignorance, darkness and inertia.

Physical service: using the body, time and effort to help others.

Craving: an attachment-driven desire for pleasure, existence or escape from unwanted experiences.