Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies key terms

Severe deprivation in which a person lacks basic necessities such as sufficient food, clean water or shelter.

Being answerable for one’s choices and actions; in Islam, every person is ultimately answerable to Allah.

Obtaining money or possessions, for example through earnings or inheritance.

Divine justice: the belief that Allah is just and does not act wrongly.

The first human being and first prophet in Islamic belief.

Conduct contrary to dharma: a failure to fulfil moral or religious duty.

Sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse.

A non-dual Hindu philosophy teaching that atman and Brahman are ultimately identical.

The season of preparation for Christmas, beginning four Sundays before Christmas in many churches.

Life or existence after physical death.

Selfless love for others, expressed through concern and action without expecting a reward.

A woman who remains bound to a marriage under Jewish law because she cannot obtain the religious divorce needed to remarry; often translated as a ‘chained woman’.

Pride: an exaggerated sense of personal importance or superiority.

Non-violence or non-harming; respect for all forms of life.

The family or household of the Prophet Muhammad, especially important as examples and sources of guidance in Shi’a Islam.

A major Sikh seat of religious and temporal authority in Amritsar.

An uninterrupted reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, usually taking about 48 hours. Also spelt ‘Akhand Path’.

A continuous reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, normally taking about 48 hours.

Life after death, including judgement by Allah.

The highest level of Jannah, or paradise, in Islamic teaching.

The honour of being called up during the synagogue’s Torah reading to recite the accompanying blessings.

The Arabic word for God; Muslims believe Allah is the one God, the creator and sustainer of everything.

Money or goods given to people in need.

Giving food, robes, money or other support to monks or the monastic community.

The Islamic belief in Allah’s divine decree: events occur within Allah’s knowledge, will and plan.

Predestination or divine decree: Allah knows and orders what happens, while humans remain responsible for their choices.

The Buddha at the centre of Pure Land Buddhism, also known as Amitabha.