AQA GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The day when Allah judges everyone according to how they have lived.

The permanent end of the body's life functions.

The execution of a convicted offender by the state as a legal punishment for a crime; also called capital punishment.

A section of the Rosary consisting of one Our Father, ten Hail Mary prayers and one Glory Be.

A command or order; a divine decree expresses Allah's will.

The clearing or removal of forests.

A god or goddess, understood as a divine being or form through which the divine is encountered.

A Roman coin. In Mark 14:5, the critics value the woman’s ointment at more than three hundred denarii.

A recognised branch of Christianity with its own organisation and particular beliefs or practices.

The Buddhist teaching that things and experiences arise in dependence on causes and conditions; also called dependent origination.

An argument that the apparent order, complexity and purpose of the natural world provide evidence for an intelligent designer, identified by religious believers as God.

Discouraging someone from committing a crime through the threat or experience of punishment.

Something intended to discourage an action through fear of its consequences, such as the threat of retaliation discouraging an attack.

The Buddha’s teachings, which guide Buddhists towards understanding and enlightenment.

The Buddha’s teachings; also the truth about existence he realised, the natural order of reality and the path of training towards enlightenment.

Material service: giving money, possessions or other resources to help others.

Service through wealth or material resources, such as donating money or food to support others.

The first stage of Sikh spiritual development: piety or righteousness, involving recognition of moral duties and responsibility for one's actions.

Moral duty and righteous conduct; living responsibly and doing what is right.

The twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, during which Hajj takes place.

The inherent worth of a human being, which calls for respectful treatment even when that person has committed a crime.

Reducing or eliminating weapons. Nuclear disarmament means reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons.

A follower who learns from a religious teacher. In Mark’s Gospel, disciples follow Jesus and respond to his teaching and call.

Following Jesus as a learner and committing to his teaching and way of life.

Unfair treatment of a person or group because of characteristics such as ethnicity, religion or gender.

Ignored, rejected or treated as less valuable by other people.

A small oil lamp lit during Hindu worship and celebrations, especially Diwali; also called a diya.