Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B key terms

A phrase describing the greater survival and reproductive success of organisms best adapted to their environment.

Using resources in ways that meet present needs without undermining their availability or the environment for future generations.

A Buddhist discourse or teaching preserved in scripture.

The Sikh Welfare Awareness Team, a charity founded in West London in 2008 whose projects include youth education and support for disadvantaged communities.

Understanding imagery as communicating a deeper meaning rather than describing exactly what something physically looks like.

A Jewish place of assembly used for prayer, religious study and community activities.

Disassociation from the enemies of Allah and those who oppose Muhammad and his family; one of the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam.

The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, associated with God's presence among them.

Literally a throne: in a gurdwara, the raised seat or platform associated with the Guru Granth Sahib. The term also names major seats of Sikh religious authority.

Turning to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha for guidance and committing oneself to the Buddhist path.

A husband’s declaration of divorce in Islamic law.

A written collection of rabbinic teachings and discussions that explains and applies Jewish law; it consists of the Mishnah and Gemara.

One of the three gunas, or qualities of nature, associated with ignorance, inertia and darkness. A person strongly influenced by tamas is described as tamasic.

Physical service, such as cooking, cleaning or serving food for others.

Craving or thirst, which Buddhism identifies as a cause of suffering.

A Sikh code of discipline associated with Bhai Nand Lal and presented as questions to Guru Gobind Singh and his answers.

A disciplinary response to a breach of Sikh religious discipline, assigned through the congregation and normally taking the form of service.

A Sikh who has breached the code of conduct and is liable to penance.

Mindfulness of Allah, expressed through trying to live righteously and fulfil one's responsibilities to Him.

Buddha-nature: the potential of all beings to achieve enlightenment, emphasised in Mahayana Buddhism.

Repentance: recognising wrongdoing, sincerely regretting it and choosing to turn away from it.

The ritual of walking anticlockwise around the Ka‘bah seven times.

The central tawaf performed during Hajj after the gathering at Arafat, distinct from the farewell tawaf.

Love and loyalty towards Allah’s friends, including Muhammad and his family; one of the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam.

Belief in the oneness of Allah: there is only one God, who alone should be worshipped.

The revelation Muslims believe Allah gave to Musa (Moses), associated with the Torah.

Pure and wholesome; a description used in Islamic teaching about food.