The JAMB Syllabus for Islamic Studies is a vital guide for UTME candidates, outlining all topics required for exam success. It evaluates candidates' understanding of the Qur'an, Hadith, Islamic theology, history, and contemporary issues, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of both spiritual and cultural aspects of Islam. 

The syllabus is divided into four sections: The Qur'an and Hadith, Tawhid and Fiqh, Islamic History and Civilisation, and Contemporary Issues. By following this official roadmap and its recommended textbooks, students can focus their studies effectively, eliminate guesswork, and approach the exam confidently to secure admission into their desired institution.

General Objectives

The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Islamic Studies is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:

1. Master the Qur’ān and Sunnah as foundations of Islamic and social life;

2. Be familiar with Islamic heritage, culture and civilisation;

3. Be acquainted with the tradition of Islamic scholarship and intellectual discourse;

4. Demonstrate knowledge of Islamic moral, spiritual, economic, political and social values;

5. Be exposed to the fundamental principles of Islam; and

6. Be prepared to face the challenges of life as good practising Muslims.

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JAMB Syllabus 2026 for UTME and Direct Entry Candidates

JAMB Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026

TOPIC/CONTENTSOBJECTIVES

1.  Revelation of the Glorious Qur’ān

(i) Visits of the Prophet (SAW) to Cave Hira

(ii) His reaction to the first revelation and its importance

(iii) Different modes of revelation  (Q.42:51): inspiration behind the veil, through an angel, etc.

(iv) Piecemeal revelation (Q.17:106)  (Q.25:32) 

1b.  Preservation of the Glorious Qur’ān 

(i) Recording, compilation and standardization of the Qur’ān 

(ii) Differences between Makkah and Madinan suwar

(iii) The role played by the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) on the collection 
and compilation of the Qur’ān.

1c. Importance of the Glorious Qur’ān as a source of guidance in spiritual, moral, economic, political and socio cultural matters.

Candidates should be able to: 

(i) analyse the Prophet’s (SAW) visits to Cave Hira and the purpose

(ii) describe the Prophet’s reaction  to the first revelation and its importance;

(iii) differentiate between the modes of revelation;

(iv) explain why the Glorious Qur’ān was revealed piecemeal. 

(B) (i) analyse how the Glorious Qur’ān was recorded, compiled and standardized. 

(ii) differentiate between Makkan and Madinan suwar

(iii) evaluate the role played by the companions of the Prophet (SAW) on the collection and compilation of the Qur’ān. 

2. Tafsīr

(i) Historical development of Tafsīr

(ii) Importance of Tafsīr

(iii) Types of Tafsīr 

 

Candidates should be able to:

(i) trace the origin and sources of Tafsīr;

(ii) evaluate the importance of Tafsīr

(iii) compare the types of Tafsīr. 

3.  Introduction to Tajwīd (Theory and       
    Practice 

 
Candidates should be able to:

(i) examine the meaning and importance of     
Tajwīd

4. Study of the Arabic text of the following 
suwar/ayats with tajwīd 

(a) al Fātihah (Q.1)

(b) al cĀdiyāt (Q.100)

(c) al Qari’cah (Q.101)

(d) at Takāthur (Q.102)

(e) al –cAsr ((Q.103)

(f) al Humazah (Q.104)

(g) al Mācūn ((Q.107

(h) al Kawthar (Q.108)

(i) al Kāfirūn (Q. 109) 

Candidates should be able to:

(i) recite with correct tajwīd the Arabic texts of 
the suwar;

(ii) translate the verses;

(iii) deduce lessons from them;

(iv) evaluate the teachings of the verses.

5. Articles of faith

(a) Belief in Allah 

(i) Existence of Allah (Q.2:255) (Q.52:35 to 36)

(ii) Attributes of Allah (Q.59:22 to 24)

(iii) The works of Allah (Q.27: 59:64)

(b) Belief in Allah’s angels (Q.2:177 and 285)(Q.8:50) (Q.16:2)

(c) His books (Q.2:253) and 285) (Q.3:3)

(d) His Prophets: Ulul azmi (Q.4:163 to164)

(e) The Last Day: Yawm al Bacth (Q.23:15 16) (Q.70:4) 

Candidates should be able to: 

(i) examine the significance of the articles of faith; 

(ii) list the attributes of Allah; 

(iii) examine the works of Allah; 

(iv) explain the belief in Allah’s books; 

(v) identify the verses on Allah’s books; 

(vi) explain the belief in the Prophets of Allah and its significance; 

(vii) analyse the belief in the Last Day and its significance; 

(viii) evaluate the belief in destiny and its significance.

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Recommended Text

  • 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’ān 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, Books, Minna: IET
  • Muhammad, S. Q. (2010) al Burhanu fi tajwīdil Qur’ān Cairo: Shirkatul Qudus
  • Opeloye, M.O. (1996) A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’ān, 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