iGCSE Religious Studies Edexcel

This subject is broken down into 172 topics in 38 modules:

  1. Buddhism: Celebration and Pilgrimage 2 topics
  2. Buddhism: Origins and their Impact on the Community 3 topics
  3. Buddhism: Worship and Practice 2 topics
  4. Christianity: Beliefs and Values 7 topics
  5. Christianity: Celebration and Pilgrimage 2 topics
  6. Christianity: Life after Death 8 topics
  7. Christianity: Origins and their Impact on the Community 3 topics
  8. Christianity: Peace and Conflict 6 topics
  9. Christianity: Rights, Equality and Social Justice 5 topics
  10. Christianity: Worship and Practice 2 topics
  11. Hinduism: Celebration and Pilgrimage 2 topics
  12. Hinduism: Life and Death 8 topics
  13. Hinduism: Origins and their Impact on the Community 3 topics
  14. Hinduism: Peace and Conflict 6 topics
  15. Hinduism: Rights, Equality and Social Justice 5 topics
  16. Hinduism: The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings 7 topics
  17. Hinduism: Worship and Practice 2 topics
  18. Islam: Celebration and Pilgrimage 2 topics
  19. Islam: Life and Death 8 topics
  20. Islam: Origins and their Impact on the Community 3 topics
  21. Islam: Peace and Conflict 6 topics
  22. Islam: Rights, Equality and Social Justice 5 topics
  23. Islam: The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings 7 topics
  24. Islam: Worship and Practice 2 topics
  25. Judaism: Celebration and Pilgrimage 2 topics
  26. Judaism: Life and Death 8 topics
  27. Judaism: Origins and their Impact on the Community 3 topics
  28. Judaism: Peace and Conflict 5 topics
  29. Judaism: Rights, Equality and Social Justice 6 topics
  30. Judaism: The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings 7 topics
  31. Judaism: Worship and Practice 2 topics
  32. Sikhism: Celebration and Pilgrimage 2 topics
  33. Sikhism: Life and Death 8 topics
  34. Sikhism: Origins and their Impact on the Community 3 topics
  35. Sikhism: Peace and Conflict 5 topics
  36. Sikhism: Rights, Equality and Social Justice 6 topics
  37. Sikhism: The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings 7 topics
  38. Sikhism: Worship and Practice 2 topics
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  • 38
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  • 172
    topics
  • 63,306
    words of revision content
  • 8+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious Studies

Buddhism: Celebration and Pilgrimage

Festivals and Celebrations

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Festivals and Celebrations

Vesak (Buddha Day)

  • Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is one of the most important festivals in Buddhism. It commemorates three significant events in the Buddha's life: his birth, enlightenment and death (Nirvana).
  • Occurring on the full moon in the ancient lunar month of Vesakha (usually in May), the day is marked by various traditions such as giving to charity, meditation and attending temples.
  • Temples are decorated with light, symbolising the Buddha's enlightenment, and the 'Bathing of the Buddha' ceremony involves water being poured over the shoulders of a Buddha statue, signifying purity and a fresh start.

Magha Puja Day

  • Magha Puja Day is a Buddhist festival celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month (usually February). It marks the moment when 1,250 of Buddha’s followers spontaneously gathered to hear him preach.
  • Celebrated mainly in Thailand, the day includes circumambulation (walking three times around a temple), meditation and following the Five Precepts.
  • Many Buddhists also take part in 'Dhamma Day', dedicated to celebrating the Buddha’s teachings.

Asalha Puja Day

  • Asalha Puja Day, or Dhamma Day, commemorates the Buddha's first sermon after his enlightenment. It usually falls on the full moon of the eighth lunar month (July).
  • It’s a day to reflect and renew commitment to the Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings), often marked with meditation, chants, and giving offerings to the temple.
  • The following day is the beginning of the three month Buddhist lent, where monks stay in one place (usually a monastery or temple) to avoid traveling during the rain season.

Uposatha Day

  • Observance days known as Uposatha Days fall on the full moons, new moons, and the eighth day after the full and new moons.
  • These days are dedicated to renewal of commitment to Buddhist sayings (precepts) and deepening faith. It’s a day of increased meditation and scripture study.
  • Laypeople often go to monasteries and temples to make merit by bringing food, robes, and other offerings.

Bodhi Day

  • Bodhi Day is the celebration of the Buddha’s enlightenment. It usually falls on December 8th.
  • The Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment, is incorporated in decorations, and many Buddhists meditate and chant sutras.
  • The day is typically observed with additional meditation, studying the Dharma, chanting sutras (Buddhist texts), and performing kind acts.

These festivals and celebrations help Buddhists connect more deeply with their faith, the teachings of the Buddha, and the Buddhist community. They provide a basis for reflection and an opportunity to recommit to Buddhist ethics and practices.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Buddhism: Celebration and Pilgrimage, topic Festivals and Celebrations

Religious Studies

Islam: Peace and Conflict

Conflict and War

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Conflict and War

Understanding Conflict and War in Islam

War in Islam

  • War (Jihad): Jihad is often misunderstood in Western societies. It means 'to struggle' or 'to strive' in the way of God and refers to any effort made to promote good or resist evil. It isn't always associated with physical conflict.
  • Greater Jihad and Lesser Jihad: The greater jihad refers to the spiritual struggle within oneself against sin. The lesser jihad refers to the struggle to defend Islam and the Muslim community, which can include warfare, but only under certain conditions.
  • Conditions for War: According to Islamic teachings, war must be the last resort, just, carried out in self-defense, and not aimed at innocent civilians. The purpose of war should also always be to restore peace.
  • Prohibited in War: Islam teaches that certain actions are prohibited in war - harming civilians or prisoners, destroying crops, trees, or animals, and using fire or chemical warfare.

Peace in Islam

  • As-Salamu Alaykum: This Islamic greeting offers peace to the receiver. It reflects Islam's foundational theme of peace.
  • Peace with God (Salaam): Muslims seek inner peace by submitting to Allah's will and following the teachings of the Qur'an.
  • The Ummah: The worldwide Muslim community plays a significant role in fostering peace. Muslims are expected to show care and respect to all members of the Ummah and resolve disagreements peacefully.

Conflict within Islam

  • Sunni and Shia Split: Conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims, the two main sects of Islam, has led to tensions and occasional bouts of violence. The divide originated shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad and centered on the succession of leadership.
  • Extremism: Extremist activities undertaken by a minority of Muslims, often for political purposes, have caused conflict within the Ummah and harmed Islam's image globally. Most Muslims utterly condemn extremist activities which go against Islam's teachings.

Islam's Approach to Resolving Conflicts

  • Negotiation and Reconciliation: Islam encourages resolving disputes through peaceful means, preferring negotiation and reconciliation over violence.
  • Role of the Mosque: Mosques often serve as centres for conflict resolution, encouraging dialogue and greater understanding among diverging parties.
  • Sharia Law: In some regions, conflicts may be resolved according to Sharia law, which is derived from the teachings in the Qur'an and hadith.

An intimate understanding of these points should help in comprehending the Islamic perspective on peace, conflict, and war. As Islam is often misunderstood, it's crucial to remember the religion promotes peace, justice, and the protection of all life. Please refer to the original sources such as Qur'an verses and Hadith for insights on specific Islamic rules and teachings.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Islam: Peace and Conflict, topic Conflict and War

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