Religious Studies key terms

Buddha-nature: the belief, mainly associated with Mahayana Buddhism, that all beings have the potential to achieve enlightenment.

Circling the Ka’aba seven times anticlockwise as an act of worship of Allah.

The duty to love the friends of Allah, particularly the Prophet Muhammad, his family and righteous people.

The Shi'a obligatory act of showing love and allegiance towards the friends of Allah, especially Muhammad, his family and the Imams.

Belief in the oneness of Allah.

A person employed to collect taxes. In Jesus’ setting, collectors of Roman taxes were widely distrusted because of their association with Roman rule and their reputation for overcharging.

A Christian charity founded in 1968 that works through churches and partner organisations to tackle poverty, respond to emergencies and support long-term development.

Small leather boxes containing passages from the Torah, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer, traditionally by Jewish men.

Another name for the Design argument, which focuses on apparent purpose in nature.

Moderation: avoiding excess and not allowing appetites or pleasures to control one's life.

The ancient Jewish centre of worship in Jerusalem, whose rebuilding is part of traditional expectations of the Messiah.

The place where money offered to support the Temple in Jerusalem was collected.

An urge or pressure to do something wrong or turn away from God.

The Jewish collection of sacred scriptures, comprising Torah, Nevi’im and Ketuvim; also called the written law.

Fundamental commandments given by God to the Israelites at Sinai, recorded in Exodus 20 and concerned with duties towards God and other people.

The ten-day period beginning with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur, devoted to reflection and repentance.

The ten religious duties followed in Shi'a Islam: salah, sawm, zakah, hajj, jihad, khums, amr bil ma'ruf, nahi anil munkar, tawalla and tabarra.

The use of violence intended to create fear and pressure a population or authorities in order to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.

Jewish repentance: recognising wrongdoing, feeling genuine remorse, seeking forgiveness, making amends and resolving not to repeat the offence. The word means ‘return’.

Repentance: turning away from wrongdoing and returning to a right relationship with God and other people.

A personal account of someone’s faith, such as an explanation of why they believe in Jesus and wish to be baptised.

Prayer that expresses gratitude to God.

Dishonestly taking someone else’s property without their consent, intending to keep it permanently.

Belief in the existence of God or gods.

A person who believes that God or gods exist.

The belief that God creates life through the process of evolution.

An explanation intended to show how a good, powerful God can allow evil and suffering.