Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The forgiveness of sins communicated by a priest in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Singing without instrumental accompaniment.

Divine justice: the belief that Allah is just and fair. It is one of the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi’a Islam.

The Muslim call to prayer, delivered by a muezzin.

Divine justice: the belief that Allah always acts fairly and justly. Also called Adalat.

Prayer expressing praise and worship of God’s greatness and holiness.

A sexual relationship involving a married person and someone other than their spouse.

A non-dual Hindu philosophical tradition which understands ultimate reality as Brahman and regards apparent separateness as not ultimately real.

A Hindu philosophical tradition which teaches that atman and Brahman are ultimately identical.

The season of expectant waiting and preparation before Christmas, lasting about four weeks in many churches.

Selfless love that seeks the good of others, rather than personal pleasure or romantic satisfaction.

One of five groups of physical and mental factors that together make up a person's changing experience. Khandha is Pali; skandha is Sanskrit.

The Hindu deity of fire, addressed in Rig Veda 10.87 as a divine protector against evil.

The principle of non-harm or non-violence towards living beings.

The Prophet Muhammad’s household or family, towards whom Shi’a Muslims have a particular religious commitment.

The household or family of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni and Shi’a Muslims honour this family but differ over its membership and religious authority.

The continuous, uninterrupted reading of the whole Guru Granth Sahib, normally completed in 48 hours.

The Islamic belief in life after death, including resurrection, judgement by Allah and the afterlife.

The All-Forgiving: Allah repeatedly forgives those who sincerely turn back to him.

The Creator: Allah brings everything into existence.

The Arabic word for God, whom Muslims believe is the one unique creator.

A story in which characters, events or places represent meanings beyond the immediate story, such as religious ideas.

A title for God emphasising divine power and authority.

The Prophet Muhammad’s ascent through the heavens to meet Allah.

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, used together to express God’s eternal nature.

The Islamic belief in divine decree or predestination: Allah knows everything that will happen, and nothing happens outside his will.

A name of Allah commonly translated as ‘the Most Compassionate’ or ‘the Most Merciful’, often understood to emphasise his particular mercy towards the faithful.

A name of Allah commonly translated as ‘the Most Merciful’ or ‘the Most Gracious’, expressing his mercy towards all creation.