Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

God's order or will, within which Sikhs seek to live truthfully.

A passage read from the Guru Granth Sahib and received as the Guru’s command or guidance.

A papal encyclical issued by Pope Paul VI in 1968 concerning the regulation of birth; paragraph 14 rejects direct abortion, including for therapeutic reasons.

The inherent worth of a person, which means they deserve respect rather than degrading treatment.

A non-religious outlook that uses reason, evidence and concern for human wellbeing to guide moral decisions.

A person with a non-religious worldview which emphasises reason, human wellbeing and ethical responsibility.

A basic freedom or entitlement belonging to every person because they are human, intended to protect their dignity and fair treatment.

Basic rights belonging to every person because they are human, rather than because of their behaviour or social position.

Freedom from arrogance and excessive pride, including willingness to learn and serve without seeking praise.

The canopy under which a Jewish wedding takes place, symbolising the couple’s new home.

The union of a fully human nature and a fully divine nature in the one person of Jesus Christ.

Worship or service of Allah, which can include practical help for other people as well as religious rituals.

A prophet in Islam whose willingness to sacrifice his son is remembered at Id-ul-Adha.

The required waiting period a Muslim woman observes after divorce or her husband’s death before marrying again.

Supernormal powers described in Buddhist tradition, often associated with advanced meditation, such as walking on water or passing through solid objects.

The Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, remembering Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah and celebrated at the climax of Hajj.

The Islamic festival of breaking the fast, celebrating the end of Ramadan.

A Shi’a Muslim festival celebrating the belief that Muhammad announced Ali as his successor at Ghadeer Khumm.

The meal that breaks the daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

In Buddhism, a failure to understand reality clearly, which sustains craving, harmful action and suffering.

The sacred state entered by a pilgrim for Hajj through a declaration of intention, with rules governing clothing and conduct. Men wear two unstitched white cloths; women wear plain, modest clothing, often white, with a head covering but leaving the face and hands uncovered.

The opening expression of the Mool Mantar, meaning that there is one God.

An appearance that is misleading when taken to be exactly what it seems.

The Jewish teaching that human beings are created in God’s image, giving human life special worth and connecting human dignity with moral responsibility.

A vision experienced inwardly, such as awareness of a divine presence or a vivid dream understood to convey a religious message.

The Christian belief that human beings are created in the image of God and therefore have inherent dignity and value.

In Shi'a Islam, a recognised spiritual leader and successor to Muhammad. This use differs from the everyday use of imam for someone who leads prayer.