Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

God's divine presence, which Jews may understand themselves as encountering through worship and other aspects of religious life.

A central Jewish prayer declaring that God is one and expressing devotion to God; its name means ‘Listen’ or ‘Hear’.

The Islamic tradition whose origins lie in support for Ali’s leadership after Muhammad’s death and which expresses its central beliefs through the Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din.

Associating partners with Allah, which contradicts the Islamic belief in Allah’s oneness.

The first seven days of mourning following burial, traditionally spent at home receiving support from the community.

A ram's horn sounded during Jewish worship, particularly around Rosh Hashanah, to call people to reflection and repentance.

Rites honouring deceased ancestors, including offerings and charitable acts believed to help them on their spiritual journey.

A sacred focus for worship, often containing an image or murti of a deity; it may be in a temple, home or outdoor setting.

A room containing a shrine, used for activities such as meditation and communal devotion.

Hindu scripture whose name means ‘that which is heard’, regarded as revealed rather than merely human in origin. The Vedas are shruti; some traditions also recognise the Agamas as shruti.

A Jewish partnership ceremony offered by some communities to same-sex couples, distinct from traditional kiddushin.

A Jewish prayer book containing set prayers.

The weekly portion of the Torah read in synagogue worship.

A Buddhist discourse giving guidance for lay life, including reciprocal responsibilities between parents and children, teachers and pupils, and other relationships.

An event understood as pointing beyond itself to reveal God’s identity, power or purpose.

Ethical training in conduct that reduces harm, including right speech, right action and right livelihood.

A Jewish ceremony welcoming and naming a baby girl.

Meditative remembrance of God, through which Sikhs develop awareness of the divine.

An action that goes against God's commands.

The covenant established between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, with Moses acting as mediator and God's commandments shaping the people's responsibilities.

A name meaning ‘lion’, used by male Sikhs to express Sikh identity, courage and equality.

A family in which one parent raises a child or children.

An ethical approach associated with Joseph Fletcher in which the most loving action in the particular circumstances takes priority over fixed moral rules. Its guiding principle is agape, selfless love.

An action based on beneficial intentions, such as generosity or compassion, rather than destructive motives.

The use of teachings, stories or practices adapted to people's needs and capacities to help them progress spiritually, particularly emphasised in Mahayana Buddhism.

Morally wholesome thought or conduct, rooted in non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion, which supports overcoming suffering.

A Tibetan funeral practice in which the body is offered to vultures, understood as a final act of generosity.

The trust, sense of belonging and willingness to cooperate that hold a society together.