GCSE Religious Studies (Short Course) AQA

This subject is broken down into 39 topics in 6 modules:

  1. Beliefs and Teachings: Buddhism 6 topics
  2. Beliefs and Teachings: Christianity 11 topics
  3. Beliefs and Teachings: Islam 5 topics
  4. Beliefs and Teachings: Judaism 5 topics
  5. Theme A: Relationships and Families 5 topics
  6. Theme B: Religion, Peace and Conflict 7 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious Studies (Short Course)

Beliefs and Teachings: Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism

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Introduction to Buddhism

Origins and Beliefs

  • Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, in the 6th century BCE in present-day Northern India.

  • Siddhartha had a life-changing experience upon being exposed to the reality of aging, sickness, and death; this led him to renounce his royal comforts and begin his quest for the end of suffering, eventually leading to attain enlightenment.

  • One of the key starting points in Buddhist teaching is the Four Noble Truths. These are the truths of suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the path to the end of suffering.

  • The way to end suffering, according to Buddhism, is by following the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Key Concepts in Buddhism

  • The Buddhist concept of Dukkha refers to the inherent suffering and dissatisfaction that exists in life.

  • Anatta. Most religions believe in a 'self' or a 'soul'. However, in Buddhism, the doctrine of Anatta specifies there is no eternal, unchanging soul or self.

  • Anicca. This is the belief that everything in life is impermanent and constantly changing.

  • Buddhism puts great emphasis on karma and the laws of cause and effect - what a person sows, they will reap.

  • Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism—a state of perfect peace and happiness.

Key Practices in Buddhism

  • Meditation is a key practice in Buddhism, used to develop mindfulness and concentration, and to gain insight and understanding of the nature of the self.

  • Dana or generosity is a key virtue in Buddhism, prescribing the giving of aid to others without expectation of anything in return.

  • The principle of non-violence or Ahimsa is central in Buddhist ethics, mandating kindness and compassion towards all living beings.

Significant Buddhist Sects

  • The two major branches of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada, meaning the 'way of the elders', is the oldest and is based on the earliest teachings. Mahayana, meaning the 'great vehicle', emerged later and includes a broad range of practices and beliefs.

  • Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, is a major branch of Mahayana Buddhism. It features many unique practises and concepts such as tantric practices and the belief in reincarnated lamas.

Remember to engage with these key concepts and principles in a thoughtful manner, and focus on comprehension and understanding rather than rote memorisation.

Course material for Religious Studies (Short Course), module Beliefs and Teachings: Buddhism, topic Introduction to Buddhism

Religious Studies (Short Course)

Beliefs and Teachings: Islam

Worship and Duties

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Worship and Duties

Worship and Duties in Islam

Salah (Prayer)

  • Salah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves praying five times a day: at dawn (Fajr), midday (Dhuhr), afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha).
  • Prayer is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah, used to seek guidance, ask for forgiveness, and express devotion.
  • Before prayer, Muslims perform Wudu (ablution) to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually.
  • Prayers are to be performed facing the Ka'bah in Mecca, which is seen as the holiest site in Islam.

Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

  • Sawm is another pillar of Islam that involves fasting from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.
  • Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, or engage in other physical needs during the daylight hours to purify the soul, focus on Allah, and practice self-sacrifice.
  • The end of Ramadan is marked by the feast of Eid ul-Fitr, a festive time of thanksgiving to Allah for the strength to complete the fast.

Zakat (Charity)

  • Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is a mandatory charitable contribution usually amounting to 2.5% of a Muslim's total savings and wealth.
  • This act embodies the principle of social responsibility and is meant to help the poor, assist the needy, and advance Islamic religious activities.
  • Zakat is not just an act of charity but is seen as a religious duty and form of worship.

Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)

  • Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially capable.
  • The pilgrimage includes various rituals, such as the tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka'bah), sa'i (between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and the Day of Arafah.
  • Successfully completing the Hajj is believed to wipe away all of a person's sins.

Jihad (Struggle)

  • The term Jihad literally means 'struggle' and refers to the spiritual struggle against sin.
  • It can also represent a physical struggle for self-improvement or to defend Islam.

Khums (Tax)

  • Exclusively in Shia Islam, Khums is a 20% tax applied to a person's surplus income after all expenses have been deducted.
  • Half of the Khums is given to poor and needy Shia Muslims, while the other half is given to religious scholars.

Dutifulness

  • Muslims have a duty to follow the Sunna which is the example set by the Prophet Muhammad in his actions, sayings and approvals.
  • They believe in the importance of respect and kindness to parents, with numerous QUr'anic verses and Hadiths emphasising this.
  • Muslims have a communal responsibility, or Ummah, to support each other and strive for social justice and equality.

Course material for Religious Studies (Short Course), module Beliefs and Teachings: Islam, topic Worship and Duties

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