Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

Without limits or boundaries.

A sequence of explanations or causes that continues endlessly, without reaching an independent starting point.

Prayer expressed spontaneously in the worshipper’s own words, rather than following an established text.

Worship with a flexible order that may include spontaneous prayer, contributions from worshippers and reflection on the Bible.

Property or money received after someone’s death; Islam recognised women’s rights to inherit.

The original Gospel revealed by Allah to Isa, distinguished in Islam from the four Gospels in the Christian New Testament.

An Arabic expression meaning ‘if Allah wills’, used when speaking about future events.

The belief that the Holy Spirit guided the human authors of the Bible in writing what God wanted to communicate.

Prayer asking God to help other people.

Prayer asking God to help other people, including those experiencing suffering.

Communication and cooperation between followers of different religions.

The call announcing that prayer is about to begin, which some families recite into a newborn’s left ear.

Jesus, the son of Maryam, whom Muslims honour as a human prophet and messenger of Allah.

Ibrahim’s son, traditionally identified by Muslims as the son involved in the sacrifice story.

A branch of Shi’a Islam which recognises a line of Imams that differs from the Twelver line after the first six shared Imams.

The chain of narrators through whom a Hadith report has been transmitted.

A period of retreat in a mosque devoted to worship, study and reflection, often undertaken near the end of Ramadan.

The angel of death, who takes people’s souls at Allah’s command.

Hell in Islam: the place of punishment and suffering in the afterlife.

The Qur’anic name for Goliath, the enemy killed by Dawud in battle.

Paradise in Islam: the place of reward, peace and happiness granted by Allah.

Repeated recitation of a mantra or divine name, aloud, whispered or silently.

The angel, also known as Gabriel, whom Muslims believe brought Allah’s revelation to Muhammad.

Striving or struggling in the cause of Allah, including the effort to live according to Islamic teachings.

The path of spiritual knowledge and understanding, seeking insight into the true Self and ultimate reality.

God’s assessment of a person’s life, determining their fate; Jewish teachings particularly emphasise responsibility for actions.

The Friday congregational prayer, which includes a sermon.