Key term
OCR GCSE Religious Studies J625
Christianity: Beliefs and TeachingsGroup 1
Topic overviewChristian terms for the nature of GodWhy God's nature matters to ChristiansThe Christian Trinity and different attitudes to itChristian beliefs about creation in Genesis and JohnEvil, suffering and a loving GodJesus as Messiah, Son of God, Lord and SaviourThe incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascensionSalvation, atonement, law, sin and graceChristian eschatology: the Second Coming, judgement, heaven and hell
Christianity: PracticesGroup 1
Topic overviewChristian worship and the structure of servicesChristian sacraments: baptism and the EucharistChristian prayer and the Lord's PrayerChristian pilgrimage and festivals: Lourdes, Jerusalem, Walsingham, Rome, Christmas and EasterChristian rites of passage and support for familiesChristian mission, evangelism and new forms of churchThe worldwide Church, ecumenism and Christian aid agencies
Islam: Beliefs and TeachingsGroup 1
Topic overviewThe six articles of faith in Sunni IslamThe five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a IslamThe 99 names of AllahTawhid, shirk and Allah's attributes in actionRisalah and the prophets from Adam to DawudIsa, Muhammad and the twelve Shi'a ImamsThe Kutub: Muslim holy books and the Qur'anMalaikah: the angels in IslamAl-Qadr: predestination and human freedom in IslamAkhirah: barzakh, judgement, Jannah and Jahannam
Islam: PracticesGroup 1
Topic overviewThe Five Pillars of Sunni IslamThe Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a IslamSalah and wudu: how and why Muslims prayShahadah, Jummah prayer and the khutbaDu'a: private prayer in IslamHajj: origins, obligation and ihramThe rituals of Hajj and their meaningZakah: meaning, origins and nisabKhums, sadaqah and the distribution of almsSawm: fasting in RamadanEid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-FitrEid-ul-Ghadeer and Ashura in Shi'a IslamGreater and lesser jihad
Judaism: Beliefs and TeachingsGroup 1
Topic overviewG-d as One, Creator, Law-Giver, Judge and EternalG-d's characteristics and the problem of suffering in JudaismShekinah, the divine presence of G-dThe Covenant at Sinai and the role of MosesThe Messiah and the Messianic AgeThe Promised Land and the Covenant with AbrahamMitzvot, free will and Divine ProvidenceEthical and ritual MitzvotThe sanctity of life and Pikuach NefeshJewish beliefs about the soul and life after death
Judaism: PracticesGroup 1
Topic overviewThe synagogue: design, features and the TempleSynagogue services and worship in the Jewish homeJewish public prayer and the AmidahJewish private prayer, the Shema and blessings at homeThe Tenakh, the Talmud and Jewish lawShabbat in the Jewish home and synagogueRosh Hashanah and Yom KippurPesach and the SederShavuot, Sukkot, Hanukkah and the Jewish calendarKashrut: the Jewish dietary lawsJewish birth ceremonies and Brit MilahBar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Bat ChayilKiddushin and the Jewish weddingJewish burial and mourning rites
Buddhism: Beliefs and TeachingsGroup 1
Topic overviewThe life of the Buddha and his EnlightenmentThe Dhamma and dependent originationThe Three Marks of ExistenceThe First Noble Truth: dukkhaThe Second Noble Truth: tanha and the three poisonsThe Third Noble Truth: nibbana and EnlightenmentThe Fourth Noble Truth: the Eightfold Path and Threefold WayThe five khandhas, sunyata and buddha-natureArhats, bodhisattvas, Buddhas and the Pure LandBuddhist ethical teachings: kamma, compassion and the preceptsSkilful action and the Middle Way in modern life
Buddhism: PracticesGroup 1
Topic overviewBuddhist worship: puja, chanting, mantras and offeringsBuddhist meditation: samatha, vipassana, zazen and visualisationBuddhist temples, shrines, pilgrimage sites and retreatsThe Buddhist Sangha: monastic and layBuddhist festivals: Wesak, Vassa, Uposatha and moreBuddhist death rites and mourning
Hinduism: Beliefs and TeachingsGroup 1
Topic overviewAtman, the eternal selfSamsara, maya, detachment and mokshaHindu teaching on karmaLokas, devas and asurasPrakriti, the gunas and the cycle of creationSaguna Brahman, the Trimurti and the TrideviAvatars of Vishnu and the murtiBrahman as impersonal, indwelling and personalDharma and the four aims of lifeHindu virtues, free will and suffering
Hinduism: PracticesGroup 1
Topic overviewThe four margas: jnana, bhakti, karma and raja yogaVarnashrama dharma, svadharma, sewa and danaHindu worship: havan, puja, japa, bhajan and darshanHindu temples, shrines, holy people and sacred natureHindu pilgrimage to Varanasi, the Ganges and other sitesHoli, Navaratri and DiwaliMaha Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi and Raksha BandhanHindu ethical concerns: animals, environment and society
Christianity: Relationships and FamiliesGroup 2
Topic overviewThe purpose of Christian marriage and family lifeChristian attitudes to same-sex marriage and civil partnershipChristian attitudes to sex before marriage, cohabitation and celibacyChristian attitudes to contraceptionChristian ethics of divorce, annulment and remarriageThe roles of men and women in Christian families and communitiesChristian understandings of equality and gender discrimination
Christianity: The Existence of GodGroup 2
Topic overviewChristian understandings of God's relationship with the world and humanityGod's goodness and human sufferingThe design argument and the anthropic principleThe first cause argument and Christian beliefThe moral argument, soul-making and judgementHow Christians believe God is revealedChristian religious experience: conversion, mystical, charismatic and sacramental
Christianity: Religion, Peace and ConflictGroup 2
Topic overviewChristian teachings about violence and conflictChristian attitudes to terrorismThe Just War theory, Holy War and conduct in warChristian attitudes to conventional, technological and nuclear warfareChristian pacifism: absolute and conditionalChristian peacemaking and non-violent actionChristian teachings on forgiveness and reconciliationChristian views on justice, injustice and social justice
Christianity: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious BeliefsGroup 2
Topic overviewChristianity in British public lifeSecularisation and the rise of humanism in BritainReligious and secular values in educationChristian teachings and secular law on marriage and equalityChristian teachings and science in medical ethicsChristian attitudes to other religions: exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralismEcumenism, inter-faith dialogue and proselytisationChristianity and atheism, agnosticism, humanism and secularism
Islam: Relationships and FamiliesGroup 2
Topic overviewThe Muslim family: roles and purposesMuslim marriage: purposes, contract and practiceMuslim views on sexuality, same-sex marriage and civil partnershipSex before marriage, cohabitation, celibacy and contraception in IslamMuslim teachings on divorce, annulment and remarriageRoles of Muslim men and women in family and communityGender equality and discrimination in Islam
Islam: The Existence of AllahGroup 2
Topic overviewMuslim views on what Allah is likeAllah's goodness and the problem of evil in IslamMuslim responses to sufferingMuslim arguments from design and first causeKhalifah, purpose and moral testing in the Muslim view of the worldRevelation and miracles as Muslim evidence for AllahMuslim religious experience: fitrah, Sufism and worship
Islam: Religion, Peace and ConflictGroup 2
Topic overviewMuslim teachings on violence and conflictMuslim responses to terrorismHoly War, the Just War theory and Muslim conduct in warMuslim attitudes to conventional, technological and nuclear warfarePacifism, non-violence and Muslim peacemakingForgiveness and reconciliation in IslamJustice and social justice in Islam
Islam: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious BeliefsGroup 2
Topic overviewMuslim perspectives on Christianity in British public lifeSecularisation, humanism and Muslim faith schoolsMuslim marriage customs and UK secular lawEuthanasia, abortion and genetic science in Muslim ethicsMuslim exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralismUnity within the ummah, national identity and da'wahIslam in dialogue with atheism, agnosticism, humanism and secularism
Judaism: Relationships and FamiliesGroup 2
Topic overviewThe purpose of family and marriage in JudaismJewish views on same-sex relationships and civil partnershipJewish views on sex, cohabitation, celibacy and contraceptionJewish divorce, annulment and remarriageRoles of men and women in Jewish families and communitiesJewish teaching on gender equality and discrimination
Judaism: The Existence of G-DGroup 2
Topic overviewJewish beliefs about G-d's nature and relationship with the worldJewish responses to evil and human sufferingJewish views on the design and first cause argumentsMorality, covenant and the value of arguments for G-d in JudaismHow Jews believe G-d is revealedJewish religious experience and perception of the divine
Judaism: Religion, Peace and ConflictGroup 2
Topic overviewJewish teachings on violence and its justificationJewish attitudes to terrorismMilchemet Mitzvah, Milchemet Reshut and conduct in warJewish attitudes to conventional, technological and nuclear warfareJewish views on pacifism and working for peaceJewish teaching on forgiveness and reconciliationJewish views on justice and social justice
Judaism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious BeliefsGroup 2
Topic overviewJewish perspectives on Christianity's place in British public lifeJudaism in a secular BritainJewish schools, marriage and equality law in BritainJewish medical ethics and scientific developmentJewish views of other faiths: exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralismIntra-faith and inter-faith dialogue in British JudaismJudaism and non-religious worldviews
Buddhism: Relationships and FamiliesGroup 2
Topic overviewBuddhist views on the family and the Sigalovada SuttaBuddhist attitudes to marriage and its cultural formsBuddhist ethics of sex, the Third Precept and same-sex relationshipsBuddhist views on cohabitation, celibacy, contraception and divorceBuddhist views on the roles of men and womenBuddhist teaching on equality, caste and gender discrimination
Buddhism: The Existence of Ultimate RealityGroup 2
Topic overviewBuddhist understandings of Ultimate Reality without a creator GodBuddhist views on goodness, evil and sufferingBuddhist responses to design, first cause and the unanswered questionsThe world as samsara: kamma, cycles and human rebirthHow Buddhists believe Ultimate Reality is revealedBuddhist religious experience: refuge, jhanas, kensho and visions
Buddhism: Religion, Peace and ConflictGroup 2
Topic overviewBuddhist teachings on violence and non-harmBuddhists in violent conflict and attitudes to terrorismBuddhist views on justified war, holy war and modern warfareBuddhist pacifism and non-violent actionBuddhist peacemakers and engaged BuddhismBuddhist teachings on forgiveness and reconciliationBuddhist views on justice, injustice and social justice
Buddhism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious BeliefsGroup 2
Topic overviewBuddhists in British society and public lifeBuddhist responses to secularisation and secular educationBuddhist responses to clashes with secular law on marriage and equalityBuddhist responses to medical ethics and the value of lifeBuddhist views on other religions and inter-faith dialogueBuddhist dialogue with atheism, agnosticism, Humanism and secularism
Hinduism: Relationships and FamiliesGroup 2
Topic overviewThe Hindu family and the purposes of marriageThe significance of a Hindu weddingHindu views on sexuality, same-sex marriage and civil partnershipHindu views on sex before marriage, cohabitation, celibacy and contraceptionHindu views on divorce, annulment and remarriageRoles of Hindu men and women in family, community and upbringingHindu teaching on gender equality and discrimination
Hinduism: The Existence of Ultimate Reality and DeityGroup 2
Topic overviewBrahman, the gods and the Hindu question of deityHindu responses to evil and sufferingHindu arguments about cause and creationThe purpose of the world in Hindu thought: cycles, samsara and karmaHow Ultimate Reality is revealed to HindusHindu religious experience: conversion, mysticism, visions and murti puja
Hinduism: Religion, Peace and ConflictGroup 2
Topic overviewHindu teachings on violence and the Kshatriya's dutyHindus, terrorism and religious politicsDharma yuddha, holy war and Hindu conduct in warHindu attitudes to conventional, technological and nuclear warfareHindu pacifism, satyagraha and peacemakingHindu teaching on forgiveness and reconciliationHindu views on justice and social justice
Hinduism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious BeliefsGroup 2
Topic overviewHindus and the Christian heritage of British public lifeHindus in a secular Britain: secularisation, humanism and schoolsHindu marriage, equality and British lawHindu responses to euthanasia, abortion and genetic scienceHindu views of other faiths and inter-faith dialogueHindu conversion, proselytising and national identityHinduism in dialogue with atheism, agnosticism, humanism and secularism
Islam: Beliefs and Teachings
- 10 subtopics
- 30 things to know
- Component Group 1
- Component Group 1, beliefs and teachings and practices of one of the two religions studied, chosen as any pair from five
What Islam: Beliefs and Teachings covers
Islam: Beliefs and Teachings is examined in Component Group 1, the Islam beliefs and teachings & practices paper (J625/02), if Islam is one of the two religions studied. It covers the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam, the five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam, the 99 names of Allah, Tawhid, shirk and Allah's attributes in action, Risalah and the prophets from Adam to Dawud, Isa, Muhammad and the twelve Shi'a Imams, the Kutub: Muslim holy books and the Qur'an, Malaikah: the angels in Islam, al-Qadr: predestination and human freedom in Islam and Akhirah: barzakh, judgement, Jannah and Jahannam.
Where it is assessed
Component Group 1
Beliefs and teachings & practices of one of the two religions studied, a one-hour paper worth 25% of the GCSE.
Check the OCR specification ↗The 10 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- The six articles of faith in Sunni IslamBelief in Allah, angels, holy books and prophets, the Day of Judgement and predestination, Surah 4:136, the hadith that lists all six, and why justice and the Imamate are not separate articles.Open →
- The five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a IslamTawhid and Surah 6:103, Al-Adl and divine justice, prophethood and why prophets were sent, Al-Imamah and the Shi'a and Sunni readings of Surah 4:59, the Hadith al-Thaqalayn, and Al-Ma'ad.Open →
- The 99 names of AllahWhy the names matter and the promise to those who learn them, al-Ahad and Tawhid, mercy and al-Fatihah, omnipotence, benevolence and justice, and Surah 50:16 on Allah's closeness.Open →
- Tawhid, shirk and Allah's attributes in actionShirk and how it relates to Tawhid, polytheism and Surah 53:19–25, Surah 112, the Trinity from a Muslim view, Allah as creator and judge, divine guidance, and debates over Allah's hand or face.Open →
- Risalah and the prophets from Adam to DawudNabi and rasul, the creation of Adam and his role as khalifa, Ibrahim as hanif and the test of his devotion, Isma'il and the Kaaba, what Musa received, and Dawud and the Zabur.Open →
- Isa, Muhammad and the twelve Shi'a ImamsWhy Isa was not divine and his role before Judgement, the seal of the prophets, Muhammad's background and qualities, Surahs 3:31, 3:144 and 46:9, and the infallible Imams and Sunni views of them.Open →
- The Kutub: Muslim holy books and the Qur'anIslam as the original religion, the four earlier revealed books, how earlier scripture was distorted, the Injil in Surah 5:46, the first revelation in Surah 96, compiling the Qur'an, and reciting it in Arabic.Open →
- Malaikah: the angels in IslamWhen angels were created and why they lack free will, Jibril, Izra'il, Mika'il and Israfil, Surahs 35:1 and 74:31, the recording angels and daily conduct, and differing Muslim views.Open →
- Al-Qadr: predestination and human freedom in IslamThe four parts of Sunni belief in al-Qadr, sifat and foreknowledge, Surah 33:38 and Surah 12:42, the book of deeds, the Mu'tazilites and al-Ash'ari, Shi'a views of freedom, and facing hardship.Open →
- Akhirah: barzakh, judgement, Jannah and JahannamLife as a test in Surah 2:155, accountability and stewardship, what happens in the grave, Surah 101, the Qur'an's paradise and hell, literal and metaphorical readings, and the contested status of martyrdom.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
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Why do Muslims learn the 99 names of Allah?
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How does al-Fatihah describe Allah, and what does it mean to call Allah merciful?
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What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?
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What does Tawhid mean for Muslims?
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What is Risalah?
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What do Muslims believe about the prophet Isa?
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What are the Kutub?
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What are Malaikah?
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What is al-Qadr?
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What does Akhirah mean?
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What does belief in Allah as the first article of faith require?
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What are the five roots of Usul ad-Din?
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What is shirk?
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What is the difference between a nabi and a rasul?
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Why do Muslims believe Isa was not divine?
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Why do Muslims believe Islam is the original religion?
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What do Muslims teach about when angels were created?
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What are the four parts of belief in al-Qadr in Sunni teaching?
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Why do Muslims see this life as a preparation for the next?
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Why is belief in angels one of the six articles?
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What is Al-Tawhid, and how does Surah 6:103 support it?
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What are the 99 names of Allah?
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How are Tawhid and shirk related?
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What do Muslims believe about the creation of Adam?
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What does the Qur'an teach about the end of Isa's life on earth?
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Which four earlier books do Muslims believe Allah revealed, and to whom?
Who and when
Do angels ever die, according to Muslim teaching?
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What are sifat, and how does Allah's foreknowledge relate to them?
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What does Surah 2:155 teach about life as a test?
Take Islam: Beliefs and Teachings further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Nabi vs Rasul
Nabi: a prophet who receives revelation but brings no new scripture. Rasul: a messenger entrusted with a scripture or law to deliver.
Tawhid vs Shirk
Tawhid: belief in Allah's absolute oneness without partners. Shirk: associating partners or equals with Allah.
Nubuwwah vs Imamah
Nubuwwah: belief in the prophets Allah sent, ending with Muhammad. Imamah: belief in leaders appointed by Allah to guide the community after the Prophet.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What are the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam?
Model answer
Sunni Muslims believe in Allah, the angels, the holy books and the prophets. Sunni Muslims also believe in the Day of Judgement and predestination.
- 2
What does belief in Allah as the first article of faith require?
Model answer
A Muslim must believe that Allah is the one and only God. Allah has no partner, equal or offspring.
- 3
Why is belief in angels one of the six articles?
Model answer
Angels carry Allah's revelation to the prophets and carry out His commands. Denying the angels would mean denying how the Qur'an reached Muhammad.
- 4
What does the article of belief in holy books ask of a Sunni Muslim?
Model answer
A Muslim accepts every scripture Allah sent to earlier messengers. The Qur'an is accepted as the last of them and the only one preserved unchanged.
- 5
What does the article of belief in the prophets ask of a Sunni Muslim?
Model answer
A Muslim accepts every prophet Allah sent, without favouring some and rejecting others. Muhammad is accepted as the last prophet.
- 6
What is the Day of Judgement in Sunni belief?
Model answer
The Day of Judgement is the day Allah will raise the dead and judge every person. Each person will be sent to paradise or hell.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Islam: Beliefs and Teachings revision questions
- What does Islam: Beliefs and Teachings cover in OCR GCSE Religious Studies?
- 10 subtopics: the six articles of faith in sunni islam, the five roots of usul ad-din in shi'a islam, the 99 names of allah, tawhid, shirk and allah's attributes in action, risalah and the prophets from adam to dawud, isa, muhammad and the twelve shi'a imams, the kutub: muslim holy books and the qur'an, malaikah: the angels in islam, al-qadr: predestination and human freedom in islam and akhirah: barzakh, judgement, jannah and jahannam. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Islam: Beliefs and Teachings organised?
- By the OCR J625 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Islam: Beliefs and Teachings, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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