Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The sacred house in Makkah which Ibrahim and Ismail built or rebuilt together.

The cube-shaped sacred building in Makkah associated with Ibrahim and Isma‘il, around which pilgrims perform tawaf.

A Jewish mystical tradition concerned with understanding God and drawing closer to the divine presence.

A prayer praising God, a form of which is recited by mourners in communal worship.

Islamic theology that uses reason and argument to explain and defend religious beliefs.

Pleasure, love and desire, including enjoyment of art, food, relationships and sexuality.

Intentional action through thought, speech or bodily behaviour which has consequences. Kamma is the Pali term; karma is the Sanskrit equivalent.

Sweet, blessed food distributed to the congregation, expressing equality.

Blessed sweet food distributed during Sikh worship and ceremonies.

Actions and their consequences, which influence a person’s present and future lives.

The spiritual path of selfless action, performing duties without attachment to personal rewards.

‘Creator Being’: a description of God as the active Creator of the universe and all life.

Compassion: recognising suffering and wishing to relieve it.

The Jewish dietary laws governing which foods may be eaten and how food is prepared and consumed.

A robe-cloth offering ceremony held during the month following the rains retreat, especially in Theravada communities.

Meaning ‘princess’, a name given to Sikh girls at naming and used by female members of the Khalsa, expressing dignity and shared identity.

A Jewish marriage contract setting out marital commitments.

The Writings: the section of the Tenakh containing works of poetry, history and wisdom, including Psalms.

A steward or representative entrusted with responsibility. Adam’s role as Allah’s khalifah teaches Muslims to care for creation.

The community of initiated Sikhs established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, whose members undertake a disciplined Sikh way of life.

A Buddhist discourse in which the Buddha identifies the five aggregates and distinguishes them from the five clinging-aggregates.

An obligatory contribution of one fifth of eligible gains, including annual earnings remaining after allowable expenses; particularly important in Shi’a Islam as one of the Ten Obligatory Acts.

The blessing over wine or grape juice that marks the holiness of Shabbat or a Jewish festival.

A Buddhist discourse on right conduct that stresses careful listening, learning, understanding and practising the Dhamma.

God's rule, made present through Jesus and accepted by those who follow God; Christians also look forward to its complete fulfilment.

The singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib to praise and remember God.

‘Book of Faith’; the title associated with the prescribed Hadith passage summarising Muslim belief.