Religious Studies key terms

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

The principle that the force used in war must not be excessive in relation to the legitimate aim.

A prayer posture in which the forehead touches the ground, expressing humility and submission to Allah.

Keeping children safe from harm and meeting their needs.

An action expressing opposition to something, usually intended to bring about change.

The holy book known in Islam as the Zabur, believed to have been revealed by Allah to Dawud (David), containing songs and poems of praise.

Worship carried out together by a religious community, such as a congregation praying in a synagogue.

Worship in which a deity is honoured through offerings and acts of devotion.

A penalty imposed on an offender for breaking the law.

Amitabha Buddha’s realm, called Sukhavati or the ‘Land of Bliss’, where conditions are favourable for attaining enlightenment.

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 Catholic belief, purification after death for those assured of salvation but not yet ready to enter heaven.

Spiritual cleansing from sin or wrongdoing, sought through religious practices such as bathing in a sacred river.

One of the four legitimate aims of human life in Hinduism: dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

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 towards Makkah which Muslims face during salah.

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

The standard of health, comfort, happiness and fulfilment experienced by a person or group.

The final holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be Allah's words revealed in Arabic to Muhammad through the angel Jibril.

A Jewish religious teacher and leader who usually leads synagogue worship.

Unfair treatment of a person or group because of their race or ethnicity.

A prejudiced judgement about people based on their race, ethnicity or skin colour.

Prejudice or discrimination based on race, skin colour or ethnic background, often involving the belief that one racial group is superior to another.

The Sikh code of conduct, which provides guidance on Sikh religious and community life.

The quality of activity, passion, desire and restlessness.

A unit of salah consisting of recitations and a sequence of movements, including standing, bowing and prostration.