Religious Studies key terms

A one-fifth contribution practised by Shi’a Muslims, shared between charitable purposes and religious leaders.

A sermon delivered as part of the Friday congregational service, reminding Muslims of their faith and duties.

A blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify Shabbat or a festival.

The first stage of Jewish marriage: a legally binding betrothal that sets the couple apart for one another. Its name means sanctification.

God’s reign or rule, which Christians understand Jesus to proclaim and reveal through his teaching and actions.

A title used in Pilate’s questioning of Jesus which could suggest a rival ruler and therefore a challenge to Roman authority.

A skullcap worn by many Jews, particularly men, as a sign of respect for God.

Earning a living honestly through one's own work.

One of the Five Ks worn by initiated Sikhs: a ceremonial blade symbolising responsibility to defend the faith, protect the weak and oppose injustice.

Devotional singing or chanting that praises God.

The prayer meaning ‘all vows’, chanted at the opening of Yom Kippur.

Fit or acceptable according to Jewish law; in relation to food, permitted under the laws of kashrut.

The tearing of clothing as an outward expression of grief following a death.

Destructive anger that can lead to cruelty, hatred or violence.

The Hindu virtue of forgiveness, patience and forbearance.

A major Hindu pilgrimage gathering associated especially with bathing in sacred waters; at Prayag, the full festival is held every twelve years.

The revealed holy books through which Allah has given guidance to humanity.

Three characteristics of existence taught by the Buddha: dukkha, anicca and anatta.

The goddess of wealth, prosperity and beauty, and the consort of Vishnu.

The free community kitchen and meal associated with a gurdwara, open to everyone.

The final judgement of humanity associated with Jesus’s return.

Action taken only after other ways of resolving a problem have been tried and failed.

The final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion, presented in Mark’s Gospel as a Passover meal.

The four wedding hymns recited and sung during Anand Karaj, accompanying the couple’s four circuits around the Guru Granth Sahib.

The sacred laws and teachings associated with Moses, which guide Jewish life and belief.

The belief that God provides commandments guiding how people should live.

A description of a regular pattern in how the natural world behaves.