The WAEC Islamic Studies syllabus for the 2026/2027 session represents the outcome of a deliberately structured curriculum intended to equip secondary school students with a thorough grounding in Islamic theology, legal frameworks, and historical heritage. As candidates approach this pivotal examination, a deep familiarity with the syllabus becomes not merely beneficial but critical.

The syllabus specifies the exact topics for examination, encompassing Qur'anic exegesis, Hadith criticism, Tawhid, Fiqh, and the historical trajectory of Islamic civilisations.

This guide offers a detailed exploration of the WAEC Islamic Studies syllabus, detailing the examination structure, thematic divisions, and strategic preparation techniques to help you study with direction and perform optimally.

Aims and Objectives

  • The historical and contemporary development of Islam, as well as the lessons learnt from them.
  • The spiritual, moral, socio economic and intellectual roles of Islam role of Islam in society.
  • The practical application of Islamic teachings in daily life.

Examination Scheme

There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2, both of which will be put into a composite paper to be taken in one sitting.

PAPER 1:

Will comprise fifty multiple choice questions, all of which should be answered within 50 minutes for 50 marks.

PAPER 2:

Will consist of six essay questions, one of which will be compulsory. Candidates will be required to answer the compulsory question and any three of the optional ones in 2 hours for 100 marks.

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WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027 for All Subjects: SSCE & GCE

WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027

SECTIONTOPIC
The Jahiliyyah: Arabia before Islam

Description of Arabia: Location

Social Life: Marriage, divorce and inheritance.

Religious life: Idol worship and names of major gods/idols.

Political Life: System of Government

Economic Life: Sources of livelihood

The Reforms introduced by Islam on the Jahiliyyah practices.

The life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)

Birth

Marriage

Call to prophethood and his mission

Hijrah: Causes, Course and Significance

Formation of the Ummah and the Madinan Constitution

Leadership qualities of the Prophet

The Battles: Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. (causes, courses and effects.)

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: terms and outcomes.

Conquest of Makkah.

The Farewell Pilgrimage: description, sermon, and its lessons.

Islam in West Africa

The advent and roles of traders, teachers, murᾱbitun, sufi orders, mujaddidun (reformers) and Hajj in the pread of Islam.

The Impact of Islam on the Socio-Political, Economic and Linguistic Lives of the Peoples of ancient West African empires (i.e. Ghana, Mali, Shonghai and Kanem Borno.

Hadith

Definition of Hadith and Sunnah

Differences and similarities between Hadith and Sunnah

The Importance of Hadith and Sunnah

Parts of the Hadith: ‘Isnad,  Matn and Rawi.

Criteria for authenticity of Hadith

Classification of Hadith: Sahih, Hasan and Da‘if.

The Six Sound Collections of Hadith (Sihaus-Sittah) and their Compilers.

DOWNLOAD WAEC SYLLABUS FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES 2026

Recommended Texts

  • The Holy Qur’an (text, translation and commentary), Yusuf Ali
  • The meaning of The Glorious Koran (An explanatory translation by Mohammed Marmaduke Picktall) I.P.B., Lagos, Nigeria
  • Islamic Religious knowledge for WASC Book 3 Hadith. Bushir Sambo and Mohammed Higab I.P.B., Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Islamic Religious knowledge for WASC Book 2 Figh. Bushir Sambo and Mohammed Higab I.P.B., Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Islamic Religious knowledge for WASC Book 1 Qur’an and Tafsir. Bushir Sambo and Mohammed Higab I.P.B., Lagos, Nigeria
  • The Life of Muhammad by Haykal, printed in Nigeria in 1982.
  • Islam in Focus by Hammudah Abdalati I.P.B., Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Islamic Studies for Secondary Schools Books 1 & 2 by Lemu I.P.B., Lagos. And Islamic Education Trust, Minna.
  • Selected traditions of an Nawawi by M.O.A., Abdul I.P.B., Lagos.