Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

The raising of the dead to life by God; many Orthodox Jews understand this to include the restoration of bodily life.

A period set aside from ordinary routines for concentrated religious practice, such as meditation and study.

God making himself, his nature or his will known to human beings.

The renewal and strengthening of Christian faith and commitment within a community.

Al-Ghazali’s major work, also called Ihya’ ‘ulum al-din, which teaches ethical and spiritual development through both understanding and practice.

A prohibited increase in lending or debt, commonly translated as usury. Most Muslim scholars understand its prohibition to include all interest; some interpret it as exploitative interest.

Moral rightness and justice; Christians understand God as acting rightly and fairly.

An ancient Hindu collection of sacred hymns; Rig Veda 10.87.16–19 appeals for protection against destructive beings and is interpreted in relation to cow protection.

The belief that Allah communicates guidance to humanity through prophets and messengers.

A ceremony marking an important stage or change in a person’s life, such as baptism, marriage or a funeral.

A Catholic devotion combining repeated prayers, counted using beads, with meditation on events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

An Arabic term used for a vision or dream.

The company of spiritually devoted people who gather to remember God and support one another's spiritual growth.

The Jewish weekly holy day, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, set apart for rest and worship.

Patience and perseverance: remaining faithful to Allah and continuing to do what is right through hardship.

An outward sign through which God's grace is received. Roman Catholics regard marriage as a sacrament.

The belief that the physical world can reveal God's presence and communicate his grace.

A sacrament through which a person enters or is strengthened in the Christian life: Baptism, Confirmation or the Eucharist.

Art that expresses religious belief and is intended to support worship or devotion.

A religious celebration that marks a significant event, honours a deity or expresses religious beliefs through shared practices.

A representation of Jesus’ heart expressing his love for humanity.

A physical object set apart for religious use, which can express belief and support worship or devotion.

A sound-unit regarded as sacred and used within a mantra; its religious significance need not depend on an ordinary word-for-word meaning.

The living transmission of the Christian faith received from the apostles, through the Church’s teaching, life and worship.

A container or dish set apart for use in worship, particularly to hold the Eucharist.

Giving up something valuable as an offering to God.

Voluntary charity given for the sake of Allah. It can involve material help or other acts of kindness, with no fixed amount or time for giving.