Religious Studies key terms

Patient perseverance, particularly in facing hardship while remaining faithful to Allah.

The fifth and final stage of Sikh spiritual development: truth, involving complete union with God; a spiritual state rather than a physical place.

A religious rite understood by many Christians as an outward sign of inward grace: a visible action through which God’s grace is received.

The belief that the material world can reveal and communicate God’s presence and love.

A religious celebration that recalls sacred events or teachings and expresses beliefs through worship and shared activities.

Giving up something valued, such as possessions, opportunities or personal comfort, for a greater purpose.

Giving that involves a real personal cost, rather than giving only what can easily be spared.

Voluntary charitable giving in Islam, which can include money, time and practical help.

A Hindu holy person who follows a disciplined spiritual life, often giving up ordinary possessions and comforts.

‘With qualities’: the divine understood through attributes and personal forms.

Brahman understood with qualities, expressed through divine names and forms.

A state of spiritual poise and inner peace associated with living in harmony with God through the Guru’s guidance.

A Sikh who follows the Sikh path gradually but has not undergone initiation into the Khalsa; also spelt sahajdhari.

A Sikh who follows Sikh beliefs and teachings but has not received amrit, often understood as someone adopting Sikh practice gradually.

Travelling seven times between Safa and Marwah, recalling Hajira’s search for water.

The prescribed Muslim prayer performed five times each day, using set recitations and movements to worship Allah.

Being saved from sin and its consequences, making possible reconciliation and eternal life with God.

Calming meditation that develops concentration and tranquillity by maintaining attention on a focus, such as breathing.

A family in which two parents of the same sex raise children together.

Marriage between two people of the same sex.

People in a same-sex relationship who raise children together.

A relationship between people of the same sex, such as two men or two women; also called a homosexual relationship.

The cycle of birth, death and rebirth from which Buddhists seek liberation.

A Hindu rite of passage marking an important stage of life.

The arising or origin of suffering; the Second Noble Truth explains its causes, especially craving.

Eternal law or duties understood to apply universally, rather than depending on a person’s social class or stage of life.

The belief that human life is sacred and has special value, often because it is understood as a gift from God.