AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Islam Quotation and Concept Bank

Key theological vocabulary terms, scriptural foundations, and core practices for AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062) Component 1, covering Christianity and Islam.

CORE quotations

The strongest starting point scripture passages to memorise for AQA GCSE Religious Studies exam answers.

SUPPORT quotations

Quotations used to broaden coverage or provide evidence for a particular line of argument.

The Word (Christianity)

Understood as Jesus in John 1:1 ('In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'), supporting his pre-existence, divinity, and role in creation.

Human dignity (Christianity)

The belief that humans possess inherent God-given worth because God created mankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27).

Stewardship (Christianity)

The God-given responsibility of humanity to care for and protect creation, supported by Genesis 2:15 ('To dress it and to keep it').

Omnipotence (Christianity)

God's unlimited power, demonstrated by Luke 1:37 ('For with God nothing shall be impossible'), used to support creation and His ability to act.

The Trinity

The Christian belief in one God existing as three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (named together in Matthew 28:19).

Incarnation

The central Christian doctrine that the divine Word took on human form in Jesus, summarized in John 1:14 ('And the Word was made flesh').

Original sin

The Christian teaching linked by Paul to Adam, explaining that sin and death entered the world through one man (Romans 5:12).

Atonement

The restoration of humanity's relationship with God achieved through Jesus sacrificing his life as a 'ransom for many' (Mark 10:45).

Salvation through grace

The doctrine that eternal salvation is an unearned gift from God given through faith rather than human deeds (Ephesians 2:8).

Resurrection of Jesus

The foundational Christian event where Jesus rose from the dead, stated in Luke 24:6 ('He is not here, but is risen'), central to faith and Easter.

Ascension

Jesus being taken up into heaven in a cloud following his resurrection, recorded in Acts 1:9.

Holy Communion (Eucharist)

A sacrament remembering Jesus' sacrifice and the Last Supper, founded upon Jesus' command: 'This do in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19).

Evangelism and Mission

The Christian duty to spread faith and make disciples among all nations, based on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.

Ministry of reconciliation

The Christian practice of repairing relationships, promoting peace, and reconciling communities, supported by 2 Corinthians 5:18.

Tawhid

The fundamental Islamic doctrine of the absolute oneness of Allah, expressed in Surah 112:1 ('Say: He is Allah, the One!').

Jibril

The archangel who conveyed the Qur'anic scripture to Prophet Muhammad's heart by Allah's leave (Qur'an 2:97).

Qadr (Predestination)

The Islamic belief that Allah has supreme knowledge and sovereign control over all created things ('Lo! We have created every thing by measure' - Qur'an 54:49).

Akhirah

The Islamic teaching regarding the afterlife, including death, bodily resurrection, and judgement ('Every soul will taste of death' - Qur'an 3:185).

Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin)

The title given to Muhammad in Qur'an 33:40 designating him as the final and concluding messenger sent by Allah.

Imamate (Shi'a Islam)

The belief in divinely appointed leadership for mankind, supported by Shi'a Muslims through passages like Qur'an 2:124 and Qur'an 4:59.

Shahadah

The Muslim declaration of faith confirming that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger (supported by Qur'an 3:18 and 48:29).

Salah

Obligatory daily Islamic prayer at set times that preserves believers from lewdness and iniquity (Qur'an 29:45; 4:103).

Wudu

Ritual ablution involving washing the face and hands up to the elbows required to ensure purity prior to prayer (Qur'an 5:6).

Sawm

Obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan prescribed by Allah in Qur'an 2:183.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power)

The night marking the start of the Qur'an's revelation, described in Qur'an 97:3 as 'better than a thousand months'.

Zakah

The compulsory giving of alms from one's wealth, serving as a means of spiritual purification and support for the poor (Qur'an 9:103).

Khums

A Shi'a Islamic duty to contribute a fifth of specific acquired gains for Allah, the messenger, and the needy (derived from Qur'an 8:41).

Hajj

The pilgrimage to the Ka'bah in Makkah, commanded as a duty to Allah for all Muslims who are able to undertake the journey (Qur'an 3:97).

Greater jihad

The internal, personal spiritual effort to live faithfully, resist wrongdoing, and follow Allah's path (Qur'an 29:69).

Lesser jihad

Outward physical struggle or fighting strictly in defense against attackers, constrained by the command not to begin hostilities (Qur'an 2:190).

Id-ul-Adha

The Islamic festival commemorating Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to a dream, after which a substitute victim was provided (Qur'an 37:102, 107).

Ummah

The worldwide brotherhood and community of Muslim believers (Qur'an 49:10).