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Hadith |
'Traditions'. An account of a saying,
or an incident in the life, of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). |
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Hajj |
The pilgrimage to Makkah Muslims who can afford
it are required to make once in a lifetime. |
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Halacha |
Means 'the way to go' and represents the
concesus on correct Jewish practice based on Bible and Talmud
as interpreted by recognised Rabbinic authorities.
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halal |
Within Islam that which is permitted, most
often used of food permitted to be eaten, particularly meat
of animals slaughtered by a prescribed method. |
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Hanukah |
A minor Jewish festival celebrating the re-dedication
of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was won back from the
Syrian Greeks by the Maccabees in 164 BCE. |
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hunakiah |
A nine-branched candlestick used during the
festival of Hanukah. One candle is at a different level to
the other eight, which represent the eight days of the festival;
the ninth is used to light the others. |
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Hanuman |
In Hinduism the chief of a tribe of beings
of monkey-like appearance. Hanuman was instrumental in helping
Lord Rama rescue his wife Sita after Ravana had kidnapped
her. Hanuman is revered for his devotion to Rama and Sita. |
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haram |
Within Islam something forbidden or sacred. |
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Harmmandir Sahib |
The most famous of Sikh shrines, situated in
Amritsar in the Punjab. It is also known as the Darbar Sahib
and as the Golden Temple. |
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havan |
In Hinduism, 'prayer around the fire'; also
used in the wedding ceremony of Namdhari Sikhs. |
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hazan / cantor |
A skilled leader of synagogue services (also
known as cantor). |
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Hinduism |
The major religious tradition of India; Hinduism
is basically monotheistic but recognises God in a multitude
of forms: fundamental beliefs include karma and dharma. |
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Holi |
A popular Hindu spring festival, during which
a bonfire is lit and passers-by are sprinkled with coloured
powder and coloured water. Holi is a relic of ancient fertility
rites; the bonfire is an act performed in the past at the
commencement of the agricultural year. |
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Holy Comunion |
(See Eucharist). |
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Holy Spirit |
In Christianity, God as the Third Person of
the Trinity. |
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Hosea |
A minor Biblical prophet; also the book of
the Bible named after him. |
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House Church |
An independent Christian group, usually one
which originally met (and perhaps still meets) in the homes
of members. |
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Hukam |
In Sikhism, God's will. |
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Hukam Nama |
Originally a letter containing a royal command
the expression is used by Sikhs to mean instructions issued
by the Guru ‚ these days they are written by one of the jathedars
of the five takhts after a conference of members of the panth. |
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huppa (Chuppah) |
A canopy under which a Jewish wedding takes
place. |
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Humanism |
Although this word can be used of some religious
thinking characterised by a concern for human development
and welfare (as in 'Christian Humanism'), the term is mainly
used to describe a non-religious system of beliefs and values.
In the 19th century, humanism took various church-like forms,
which gave it the character of a secular religion. Liberal
or ethical humanism emphasises the freedom and dignity of
individuals and strives for political reform. |
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