Religious Studies key terms

An additional charge paid by a borrower for the use of borrowed money.

Communication and discussion between people of different religions to develop understanding while recognising their differences.

Marriage between people who belong to different religions.

The process of establishing the meaning of a text, including consideration of its language, purpose and historical setting.

A substance, such as alcohol or a recreational drug, that can cloud awareness and impair judgement.

Worth that something has in itself, regardless of whether it is useful to humans.

The Islamic name for Jesus, whom Muslims honour as a prophet of Allah rather than as divine.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, a Hindu movement centred on devotion to Krishna.

Prejudice, hostility or discrimination directed against Muslims or Islam.

The angel who will blow the trumpet to announce the Day of Resurrection.

Hell: the place of punishment and suffering after Allah’s judgement.

Paradise: the heavenly reward associated with peace, happiness and closeness to Allah.

Quiet or silent repetition of a mantra, often counted using a string of beads.

A caste or community group, usually inherited through birth; distinct from the broader fourfold classification of varna.

The angel who communicates Allah’s revelation to prophets, including bringing the Qur’an to Muhammad.

Striving or struggling against evil to live in a way that pleases Allah.

A person who is spiritually liberated while still alive, free from the grip of selfish ego and centred on God.

Liberation attained while a person is still living in a physical body.

The spiritual path of knowledge, involving study, reflection, meditation and insight.

A multigenerational family whose members live together and share resources and responsibilities.

The belief that God assesses people’s conduct and holds them accountable for their actions.

God's assessment of a person's life, associated with their destiny in the afterlife.

The time when Christians believe God will judge humanity.

The Friday congregational prayer held around midday, with a sermon.

Fair and morally right. Christians believe that God judges people fairly.

A morally acceptable reason for fighting, such as defending people against aggression, rather than gaining wealth or territory.

Treating people fairly, doing what is right and putting right wrongdoing; in Judaism, this includes protecting people's dignity and helping those in need.