Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

Action taken to protect oneself against an attack, rather than to initiate violence.

Existing independently, without being created or depending on anything else; a description of God in Sikh belief.

Realising the true nature of the spiritual self, rather than identifying only with the body, mind and personal desires.

Capable of experiencing feelings such as pleasure and pain.

A being capable of experiencing feelings, including suffering and happiness.

Living apart from a spouse without ending the marriage bond.

A prayer with established words which can be repeated in public worship or private devotion.

Selfless service performed for others without seeking personal reward.

A name commonly used in GCSE study for Ismaili Shi'a Muslims, whose line of succession follows Isma'il rather than Musa al-Kazim after Ja'far al-Sadiq.

A devotional ceremony with seven stages, progressing from worship and respect to dedicating the benefits of practice to others.

Selfless service to others, undertaken without seeking reward or personal recognition.

Prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender.

Remaining sexually faithful to a partner.

A relationship involving sexual intimacy, which may also express love and commitment.

The divine Word or teaching expressed through the Guru.

The Jewish weekly day of rest, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.

The traditional Jewish morning prayer service.

The Islamic declaration of faith: ‘There is no God except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger.’

A Hindu tradition centred on worship of Shiva.

Divine power, especially understood as feminine divine energy; also spelt Sakti.

A Hebrew word meaning peace, with a broader sense of wellbeing and wholeness.

‘Peace in the home’: the ideal of peaceful and respectful family relationships.

A Sanskrit term meaning peace or tranquillity; it can describe deep peace of mind.

An arrangement in which both partners contribute to family responsibilities and have an equal voice in decisions.

Islamic law and guidance for life, understood through the Qur’an and the example of Prophet Muhammad.

Directing the positive spiritual potential of wholesome practice towards the welfare and enlightenment of others.

The Jewish Feast of Weeks, celebrating the harvest and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.