JAMB Syllabus For Islamic Studies 2026
The JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus is the official guide released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to help candidates prepare effectively for the UTME. It outlines all the topics you are expected to study before the examination, ensuring you focus on the right areas instead of reading aimlessly.
Using the JAMB Syllabus for Islamic Studies offers several benefits. It helps you understand the scope of the exam, identify important topics, plan your study schedule, avoid wasting time on irrelevant materials, and improve your chances of scoring high in the UTME. When combined with the recommended textbooks, the syllabus becomes an even more effective study guide, as the books provide detailed explanations and examples for every topic.
In this post, you'll find the complete JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus, along with the official list of recommended textbooks to help you prepare thoroughly and confidently for the examination.
JAMB Syllabus For Islamic Studies 2026
| Part | Topic | Key Areas to Study |
|---|---|---|
| Part I: The Qur'an and Hadith | Revelation of the Glorious Qur'an | Visits to Cave Hira, first revelation, modes of revelation, piecemeal revelation, names and attributes of the Qur'an |
| Preservation of the Qur'an | Recording, compilation, standardization, Makkan and Madinan Surahs, role of the Companions | |
| Importance of the Qur'an | Spiritual, moral, political, economic and social guidance | |
| Divine Authenticity | Proofs of authenticity, uniqueness and preservation | |
| Tafsir | History, importance and types | |
| Tajwid | Meaning, importance and practical recitation | |
| Prescribed Surahs | Al-Fatihah, Al-'Adiyat, Al-Qari'ah, At-Takathur, Al-'Asr, Al-Humazah, Al-Ma'un, Al-Kawthar, Al-Kafirun, An-Nasr, Al-Masad, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas | |
| Additional Surahs & Ayat | Al-A'la, Ad-Duha, Al-Inshirah, At-Tin, Al-'Alaq, Al-Qadr, Al-Bayyinah, Az-Zalzalah, Ayatul Kursiyy, Amanar-Rasul, Laqad Ja'akum | |
| Hadith | History, authentication, classification, relationship with the Qur'an, six authentic collectors, Imam Malik, selected Nawawi Hadiths | |
| Moral Lessons | Honesty, respect for parents, leadership, justice, modesty, marriage, patience, unity, trust, piety and more |
Part II: Tawhid and Fiqh
| Topic | Key Areas to Study |
|---|---|
| Tawhid | Meaning, importance and lessons |
| Kalimatush-Shahadah | Meaning, Oneness of Allah, Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW), universality and finality |
| Shirk | Forms of shirk and beliefs contrary to Islam |
| Practices Against Tawhid | Superstition, fortune telling, magic, cultism and innovation (Bid'ah) |
| Articles of Faith | Belief in Allah, Angels, Books, Prophets, Last Day and Destiny |
| Ibadah | Taharah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj and Jihad |
| Family Matters | Marriage, divorce, inheritance and custody |
| Sources of Islamic Law | Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijma', Qiyas and the four Sunni schools |
| Islamic Economic System | Riba, Zakah, Baitul-Mal, Islamic revenue and economic principles |
| Islamic Political System | Sovereignty of Allah, Shurah, justice, accountability and rights of non-Muslims |
Part III: Islamic History and Civilization
| Topic | Key Areas to Study |
|---|---|
| Pre-Islamic Arabia | Jahiliyyah practices and Islamic reforms |
| Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) | Birth, Prophethood, Hijrah, battles, Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Conquest of Makkah, Farewell Sermon and noble qualities |
| Rightly Guided Caliphs | Lives and contributions of the four Caliphs |
| Islam in Africa | Hijrah to Abyssinia, spread to Egypt and West Africa |
| Impact of Islam in West Africa | Political, social and economic influence |
| Islamic Education | Aims of education, Qur'an and Hadith on knowledge, scholars, universities and contributions of Muslim intellectuals |
Recommended Islamic Studies Textbooks
To strengthen your understanding of the WAEC Islamic Studies syllabus, it is advisable to study with recommended textbooks alongside your class notes and past questions. These books cover the key topics in the syllabus, provide detailed explanations, and help you prepare effectively for the examination.
- Abdul, M.O.A. (1976). Studies in Islam Series Book 3. Lagos: IPB.
- Abdul, M.O.A. (1982). Studies in Islam Series Book 2. Lagos: IPB.
- Abdul, M.O.A. (1988). The Classical Caliphate. Lagos: IPB.
- Abdulrahman and Canham (n.d.). The Ink of the Scholar. OUP.
- Ali, A.Y. (1975). The Holy Qur'an: Text, Translation and Commentary. Leicester: The Islamic Foundation.
- Ali, M.M. (n.d.). The Religion of Islam. Lahore.
- Doi, A. R. I. (1997). Shariah: The Islamic Law. Kuala Lumpur: Noordeen.
- Hay Lal, M. (1982). The Life of Muhammad (SAW). Academic Press.
- Lemu, A. (1992). Methodology of Primary Islamic Studies. Lagos: IPB.
- Lemu, A. (1993). Islamic Studies for SSS, Book 1. Lagos: IPB.
- Lemu, A. (1993). Islamic Studies for SSS. Minna: IET.
- Muhammad, S. Q. (2010). Al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur'an. Cairo: Shirkatul-Qudus.
- Opeloye, M.O. (1996). A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur'an. Lagos: Academic Press.
- Philips, A. A. B. (1997). Usool at-Tafseer. Kuala Lumpur: Noordeen.
- Quadri, Y.A. et al. (1990). Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience. Ijebu Ode: Shebiotiuom Publication.
- Rahim, A. (1992). Islamic History. Lagos: IPB.
- Sambo, M.B. et al. (1984). Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC, Book 1. Lagos: IPB.
- Sambo, M.B. et al. (1984). Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC, Book 3. Lagos: IPB.
- Trimingham, J.S. (1993). A History of Islam in West Africa. Oxford: OUP.
Besides studying the JAMB syllabus, make sure you also practice with JAMB past questions. Past questions help you understand the exam pattern, identify frequently tested topics, improve your speed and accuracy, and build your confidence before the UTME. When you combine the syllabus, recommended textbooks, and past questions, you'll be much better prepared for success.
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