Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A key terms

A collection of authentic Hadith compiled by Muhammad ibn Isma‘il al-Bukhari, regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of their most authoritative Hadith collections.

A collection of authentic Hadith compiled by Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of their most authoritative Hadith collections.

The prescribed ritual prayer performed by Muslims, which includes recitation from the Qur’an.

Deliverance from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ.

Spiritual listening: a Sufi gathering involving music or singing intended to awaken love for Allah and spiritual awareness.

A state of deep meditative absorption in which the mind is steadied and spiritual reality is realised.

Calming meditation that steadies attention on a chosen object, such as the breath, to develop concentration and tranquillity.

A family in which a child or children are raised by two parents of the same sex.

A romantic or sexual relationship between people of the same sex.

A sexual relationship involving people of the same sex.

The cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

The arising or origin of suffering; the Second Noble Truth identifies craving as the cause of dukkha.

Eternal law or truth: enduring religious and moral principles that apply universally. Many Hindus also use this name for their religion.

The grace through which a person shares in God's divine life; Catholics believe it is first received through Baptism.

The belief that human life is holy and precious because it comes from God.

The belief that marriage is sacred because it involves a commitment made before God.

The area of a church containing the altar, often raised above the nave.

The Sikh congregation or community gathered for worship.

The Buddhist community; in discussions of Vassa and Kathina, especially the community of monks and nuns.

The Jewish religious council of chief priests, elders and scribes before which Jesus was questioned.

The Sikh ideal of working for the wellbeing of everyone.

A stone coffin, sometimes decorated with religious images.

The ‘true congregation’: company focused on God and the Guru’s teachings, which helps people develop spiritually.

The quality of nature associated with purity, harmony, clarity and wisdom.

The Islamic practice of fasting, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

The ritual of travelling between Safa and Marwa, remembering Hajar’s search for water.

A person recognised as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.