Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies key terms

Having children through reproduction.

The position that unborn human life has a right to life and should be protected against abortion.

The land of Canaan promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which remains important to Jewish religious identity and hope.

A human being chosen by Allah to receive and communicate divine guidance and provide an example of how to live.

The belief that Allah chooses prophets to communicate his guidance to humanity.

An act of Hindu worship expressing devotion to a deity, often involving prayers and offerings.

A penalty imposed on someone because they have done wrong or broken the law.

The realm associated with Amida Buddha where followers believe they can be reborn and progress towards Buddhahood; also the name of a form of Mahayana Buddhism.

A Mahayana Buddhist tradition in which trust in Amitabha Buddha and sincere recitation of his name are central to seeking rebirth in his Pure Land.

In Roman Catholic teaching, a temporary state of purification for those who need cleansing before entering heaven.

The four Hindu aims of human life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation).

Resurrection, when people are raised from death to face Allah’s judgement.

The direction of the Ka’ba in Makkah, towards which Muslims face during prayer.

Retributive justice in Islamic law, involving a proportionate response to killing or injury.

A person’s wellbeing, including their experience of comfort, suffering, happiness and dignity.

The sacred text of Islam, believed to contain Allah’s final, unchanged revelation to Muhammad.

A Jewish religious teacher and leader who interprets Jewish teachings and guides a community.

Treating people unfairly because of their perceived race, colour or ethnic background.

Prejudging people because of their perceived race, colour or ethnic background.

Prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity, often involving the belief that some racial groups are superior to others.

The quality of passion, associated with activity, desire, acquisition and creation.

A unit of Salah containing prescribed recitations and movements, including standing, bowing and prostration.

A thread tied around the wrist during Raksha Bandhan as a sign of protection and affection.

A Hindu festival whose name means ‘bond of protection’, associated with protective threads, family affection and religious protection.

The Islamic month during which Muslims fast and remember the revelation of the Qur’an.

A Hindu sacred narrative in which Rama and Sita appear as models for married couples.

A decorative pattern made on the floor, used at Diwali to welcome Lakshmi.