Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

The covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, promising land, descendants and blessing, and requiring faithfulness to God.

The belief that violence and war are never justified and that disputes should be resolved peacefully.

Severe deprivation of basic human needs, such as adequate food, clean water, shelter and essential healthcare.

The final, unchanging truth about existence, which does not depend on a person's opinion or changing experience.

The declaration of forgiveness given by a priest in the sacrament of Reconciliation.

A deliberate action intended to cause another person’s death, such as administering a lethal injection.

Divine justice: the belief that Allah is perfectly fair and just. It is one of the Five Roots of faith in Shi’a Islam.

The call announcing that it is time for prayer.

Divine justice: the belief that Allah is just and treats everyone fairly. Also called Adalat.

Prayer that praises and worships God for his greatness and holiness.

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

A Hindu school of thought associated with Shankara which teaches non-dualism: atman and Brahman are ultimately identical.

A Hindu philosophical tradition teaching non-duality: Atman and Brahman are not ultimately separate realities.

A season of waiting and spiritual preparation for Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas in many churches.

A Hindu scripture giving teachings about the divine and guidance for worship, temple rituals and spiritual practice; its authority varies between traditions.

Selfless concern for another person's good, whether or not one likes them.

One of the five changing aspects through which Buddhism describes a person: form, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness.

The position of not claiming to know whether God exists.

A woman who remains bound to her marriage in Jewish law because she cannot obtain a get; literally a ‘chained’ woman.

Love of humanity: acting lovingly towards all human beings.

Non-violence or avoidance of harm; some Sikhs apply this principle to oppose killing or experimenting on animals.

The household or family of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly associated in Shi’a Islam with Ali, Fatima and their descendants, including the Imams.

A Sikh campaign to reform gurdwara management and restore community control, which used organised non-violent resistance.

A Sikh institution in Amritsar with authority over temporal matters: matters concerning the community’s worldly affairs.

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

Life after death, in which Muslims believe they are accountable to Allah for their actions.

A name of Allah meaning ‘The Just’.