WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus 2026/2027

This is Strictly for Hausa speaking Candidates, The WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus 2026/2027 (IRS). it is an academic framework designed to equip candidates with a deep understanding of Islam as a religion, a way of life, and a socio-moral system, Candidates learn the historical development of Islam, the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), the Qur’an and Hadith, and the practical application of Islamic teachings in personal and societal life.

This guide provides a detailed explanation of the WAEC IRS examination structure, a complete breakdown of the syllabus topics, and a list of recommended textbooks, helping students, teachers, and parents prepare effectively for the examination.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.Overview of the WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus 2026/2027

2. Objectives of the WAEC IRS Syllabus

3. WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Examination Guide (Structure)

4. WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) Syllabus 2026/2027 – Detailed Breakdown

5. WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Textbooks 2026/2027

6. Tips for Excelling in WAEC Islamic Religious Studies and Conclusion

WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus

Overview of the WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus 2026/2027

WAEC IRS syllabus is structured to assess candidates’ understanding of the following:

The origin and spread of Islam
Islamic beliefs and practices
Moral, spiritual, and social values in Islam
Islamic law (Shari‘ah) and jurisprudence (Fiqh)
Family life, marriage, and divorce in Islam
The Qur’an and Hadith as primary sources of guidance

The WAEC Islamic Religious Studies syllabus balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, encouraging students to apply Islamic teachings responsibly in their daily life.

Objectives of the WAEC IRS Syllabus

For WAEC Candidates, After studying this syllabus, candidates should be able to:

Understand the historical and contemporary development of Islam
Explain the life, mission, and leadership qualities of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Appreciate the moral, spiritual, socio-economic, and intellectual roles of Islam in society
Apply Islamic teachings to real-life situations
Demonstrate knowledge of Islamic beliefs, worship, and jurisprudence

These objectives ensure that students develop both academic competence and moral awareness.

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WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Examination Guide (Structure)

The WAEC Islamic Religious Studies examination consists of two papers, taken together as a composite paper in one sitting.

PAPER 1: Objective Test

Duration: 50 minutes
Total Marks: 50
Format: 50 multiple-choice questions

Paper 1 tests candidates’ general understanding of all areas of the syllabus, including history, Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid, Fiqh, and Islamic practices.

PAPER 2: Essay Paper

Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
Questions: Six essay questions

One question is compulsory, and candidates must answer it along with any three of the remaining questions. Paper 2 assesses Candidates depth of knowledge, clarity of explanation, and ability to apply Islamic teachings.

WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) Syllabus 2026/2027 (Detailed Breakdown)

PART 1: Tarikh (Historical Development of Islam)

1. Jahiliyyah (Arabia Before Islam)

Candidates study pre-Islamic Arabia, including:

Social life (marriage, divorce, inheritance)
Religious practices (idol worship and major deities)
Political and economic systems
Reforms introduced by Islam

2. Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)

Key topics include:

Birth and early life
Marriage and call to prophethood
Hijrah and its significance
Formation of the Ummah and Madinan Constitution
Major battles (Badr, Uhud, Khandaq)
Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
Conquest of Makkah
Farewell Pilgrimage and sermon
Death and lessons from his life

3. The Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafā’ur-Rāshidīn)

Abu Bakr
Umar ibn al-Khattab
Uthman ibn Affan
Ali ibn Abi Talib

Candidates study their biographies, contributions, and leadership lessons.

4. Islam in West Africa

Spread of Islam through trade, scholarship, and reform movements
Role of Islamic scholars and pilgrims
Impact of Islam on governance, economy, education, and language

PART 2: The Qur’an

Topics include:

Revelation of the Qur’an
Compilation, preservation, and standardization
Makki and Madani chapters
Importance of the Qur’an as a guide

Candidates are expected to read, memorize, interpret, and apply selected Surahs such as:

Suratul-Fatihah
Suratul-Duha
Suratul-Tin
Suratul-Alaq
Suratul-Qadr
Suratul-Ikhlas
Suratul-Falaq
Suratun-Nas

Moral lessons focus on:

Respect for parents
Honesty and integrity
Prohibition of gambling

PART 3: Hadith

Candidates learn:

Definition and importance of Hadith and Sunnah
Differences and similarities between them
Classification of Hadith (Sahih, Hasan, Da‘if)
Components of Hadith (Isnad, Matn, Rawi)
The six authentic collections (Sihah al-Sittah)

Selected Hadith from An-Nawawi’s collection are studied for memorization, interpretation, and application.

PART 4: Tawhid and Fiqh (Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence)

1. Iman (Faith)

Belief in Allah
Angels
Holy Books
Prophets
Day of Judgment
Qada’ and Qadar

2. Shirk

Idol worship
Ancestor and hero worship

3. Taharah (Purification)

Istinja’
Wudu’
Tayammum
Ghusl

4. Salat (Prayer)

Importance and conditions
Types of prayers (obligatory, voluntary, special prayers)

5. Sawm (Fasting)

Ramadan fast
Voluntary and compulsory fasting
Benefits of fasting

6. Zakat (Charity)

Nisab
Zakat on wealth, livestock, crops
Beneficiaries of Zakat

7. Hajj and Umrah

Types of Hajj
Rites and significance

8. Shari‘ah

Sources: Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma’, Qiyas
Importance in society

9. Nikah (Marriage)

Conditions
Rights and responsibilities
Prohibition of ill-treatment

10. Talaq (Divorce)

Islamic perspective
Types of divorce
Waiting period (Iddah)