Religious Studies key terms

The view that a moral principle applies in every situation, regardless of circumstances.

The belief that war and killing are always wrong, even in defence of oneself or others.

Severe deprivation of basic necessities such as food, clean water and shelter.

Having more resources than are needed to live on. Jesus contrasts giving from abundance with the widow’s giving from poverty.

Being answerable for one’s beliefs, intentions and actions; in Islam, ultimately before Allah.

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

Something a person does, as distinct from what they think about or intend to do.

Taking a deliberate action to end another person’s life, such as administering a lethal injection.

Divine justice: belief that Allah is just, wise and never acts wrongly.

The first human being and first prophet in Islamic belief.

Dependence on a substance or activity, such as alcohol, drugs or gambling, that a person finds difficult to control or stop despite harmful consequences.

The Islamic call announcing prayer.

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

A legal process through which someone becomes the parent of a child born to other parents.

Prayer that praises God and acknowledges his greatness and goodness.

Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.

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

The period of preparation for Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

Life after death; Christians differ over how this life should be understood.

Selfless love for others, central to Christian teaching.

The age at which a person is legally old enough to agree to sexual activity. In the UK, this is 16.

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.

The principle of not harming living beings, important in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

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’.