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WAEC Syllabus

WAEC IRS Syllabus 2027 | Download WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus PDF

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Today you and I will quickly take a look at the topic “WAEC IRS Syllabus 2027 | Download WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus PDF.”

If you are preparing for the WAEC examination and you registered for Islamic Religious Studies (IRS), the syllabus should be one of the first things you get.

It shows the main areas you need to study.

It also helps you plan your revision and avoid reading without a clear direction.

Islamic Religious Studies covers the Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid, Fiqh and the historical development of Islam. It also looks at the moral, spiritual, social and intellectual lessons found in Islamic teachings.

So, do not wait until the examination is close before you start.

Get the syllabus.

Study one topic at a time.

Read the relevant Qur’anic verses and Hadith.

Then practise past questions.

If you have been searching for WAEC IRS Syllabus 2027, WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus 2027, WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus PDF, WAEC IRS topics, WAEC Islamic Studies topics, WAEC Islamic Studies questions and answers, WAEC IRS past questions or WAEC Islamic Religious Studies syllabus, you are in the right place.

WAEC IRS Syllabus 2027

Table of Interests

The WAEC Islamic Religious Studies syllabus is designed to test your knowledge of Islam and your ability to apply Islamic teachings to daily life.

The major areas include:

  • Tarikh — Historical Development of Islam
  • The Qur’an
  • Hadith
  • Tawhid
  • Fiqh — Islamic Jurisprudence
  • Islamic moral and social teachings
  • Islamic history and civilisation

The syllabus is not only about memorising facts.

You should understand the lessons behind the topics.

You should also be able to explain important events, teachings, practices and principles clearly.

Important: WAEC currently lists Islamic Studies among the Humanities subjects for WASSCE in Nigeria. WAEC’s current public information also states that candidates registering for WASSCE in 2026 and 2027 are to take English Language and General Mathematics as the two currently available core subjects, alongside their other registered subjects.

Download WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus PDF

You can download the WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus PDF and keep it on your phone or computer.

You can also visit our main WAEC Syllabus for All Subjects page.

Use the syllabus as your study checklist.

As you complete a topic, revise it before moving to the next one.

WAEC Islamic Studies Examination Scheme

The syllabus provides for two papers.

Both papers are taken as a composite paper at one sitting.

WAEC Islamic Studies Paper 1

Paper 1 is the objective paper.

It contains 50 multiple-choice questions.

Candidates are expected to answer all the questions within 50 minutes.

The paper carries 50 marks.

WAEC Islamic Studies Paper 2

Paper 2 is the essay paper.

It contains six essay questions.

One question is compulsory.

Candidates are required to answer:

  • The compulsory question
  • Any three of the optional questions

The paper lasts 2 hours and carries 100 marks.

This means you need to prepare for both objective and essay questions.

Do not study only for multiple-choice questions.

WAEC IRS Topics 2027

Now let us look at the major areas you should study.

1. Tarikh — Historical Development of Islam

Tarikh deals with the history and development of Islam.

Start with Arabia before Islam.

This period is commonly known as the Jahiliyyah period.

Study:

  • Location of Arabia
  • Social life
  • Religious life
  • Political life
  • Economic life
  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Inheritance
  • Idol worship
  • Major idols
  • Systems of government
  • Sources of livelihood

You should also understand the reforms introduced by Islam.

2. The Jahiliyyah

Study the condition of Arabia before the coming of Islam.

Pay attention to:

Social Life

Study:

  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Inheritance
  • Treatment of women
  • Tribal relationships

Religious Life

Study:

  • Idol worship
  • Major idols
  • Religious practices

Political Life

Study:

  • Tribal leadership
  • Systems of government
  • The role of tribal leaders

Economic Life

Study:

  • Trade
  • Agriculture
  • Animal rearing
  • Other sources of livelihood

Also learn how Islam changed harmful practices that existed in the society.

3. Prophet Muhammad Before Prophethood

Study the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) before his first revelation.

Important areas include:

  • His birth
  • His family
  • His upbringing
  • His early life
  • His character
  • His occupation
  • His marriage to Khadijah
  • His reputation among the people of Makkah

Pay attention to the qualities that made people trust him.

4. The First Revelation

Study:

  • Cave Hira
  • The first revelation
  • The reaction of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
  • The role of Angel Jibril
  • The importance of the first revelation
  • The beginning of Prophethood

Understand what happened and the lessons from the event.

5. Early Spread of Islam

Study the early stages of the Islamic mission.

Learn about:

  • The first Muslims
  • Secret preaching
  • Public preaching
  • Opposition from the Quraysh
  • Persecution of Muslims
  • Migration to Abyssinia
  • The boycott
  • The Year of Sorrow

Know the major lessons from these events.

6. Hijrah to Madinah

The Hijrah is a very important event in Islamic history.

Study:

  • Causes of Hijrah
  • Journey to Madinah
  • Arrival in Madinah
  • Importance of Hijrah
  • Lessons from Hijrah

Also learn how the Hijrah affected the growth of the Muslim community.

7. The Prophet in Madinah

Study the development of the Muslim community in Madinah.

Important areas include:

  • Brotherhood among Muslims
  • The Constitution of Madinah
  • Relationship with other communities
  • Administration
  • Defence of the Muslim community
  • Social development

8. Major Battles and Events

Study the important battles and events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

These may include:

  • Battle of Badr
  • Battle of Uhud
  • Battle of Khandaq
  • Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
  • Conquest of Makkah
  • Farewell Pilgrimage
  • The Prophet’s final days

Do not only memorise dates.

Understand the causes, major events, results and lessons.

9. The Prophet’s Character and Leadership

Study the qualities of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

These include:

  • Honesty
  • Patience
  • Justice
  • Mercy
  • Forgiveness
  • Courage
  • Humility
  • Leadership
  • Trustworthiness

You should be able to explain how these qualities can be applied in daily life.

10. The Qur’an

The Qur’an is a major part of Islamic Studies.

Study:

  • Meaning of the Qur’an
  • Revelation
  • Preservation
  • Compilation
  • Arrangement
  • Makkan revelations
  • Madinan revelations
  • Importance of the Qur’an
  • The Qur’an as a source of guidance

Also study the prescribed Qur’anic passages in your applicable examination syllabus.

11. Revelation of the Qur’an

Study:

  • Meaning of revelation
  • How revelation came to the Prophet
  • The role of Angel Jibril
  • Cave Hira
  • Gradual revelation
  • Importance of gradual revelation

Understand why the Qur’an was revealed over a period of time.

12. Preservation and Compilation of the Qur’an

Study:

  • Recording of the Qur’an
  • Memorisation
  • Compilation
  • Preservation
  • Arrangement of Surahs
  • Role of early Muslim leaders

Understand how the Qur’an was preserved and passed from one generation to another.

13. Makkan and Madinan Surahs

Know the differences between Makkan and Madinan revelations.

Study:

  • Meaning of Makkan Surahs
  • Meaning of Madinan Surahs
  • Main themes
  • Differences
  • Examples

You should be able to identify the major features of each group.

14. Hadith

Hadith is another major area of Islamic Studies.

Study:

  • Meaning of Hadith
  • Importance of Hadith
  • Sunnah
  • Relationship between Qur’an and Hadith
  • Preservation of Hadith
  • Compilation of Hadith

Also learn the meaning and lessons of the prescribed Hadith.

15. Classification of Hadith

Study the basic classifications of Hadith.

Learn about:

  • Sahih
  • Hasan
  • Da’if

You should understand what makes a Hadith strong or weak.

16. Importance of Hadith

Study how Hadith helps Muslims understand:

  • Worship
  • Morality
  • Social conduct
  • Family life
  • Law
  • Daily behaviour

The Qur’an and Sunnah work together in guiding Muslim life.

17. Tawhid

Tawhid is the belief in the oneness of Allah.

Study:

  • Meaning of Tawhid
  • Oneness of Allah
  • Attributes of Allah
  • Worship of Allah
  • Shirk
  • Effects of Shirk
  • Importance of Tawhid

Understand why Tawhid is central to Islamic belief.

18. Articles of Faith

Study the basic articles of Islamic faith.

These include belief in:

  • Allah
  • Angels
  • Books of Allah
  • Prophets
  • Day of Judgment
  • Divine decree

Know the meaning and importance of each.

19. Angels

Study:

  • Meaning of angels
  • Nature of angels
  • Duties of angels
  • Names of important angels
  • Belief in angels

Know the duties associated with major angels such as Jibril, Mikail, Israfil and Izrail.

20. Prophets and Messengers

Study:

  • Meaning of Prophet
  • Meaning of Messenger
  • Difference between Prophet and Messenger
  • Qualities of Prophets
  • Roles of Prophets
  • Major Prophets

Also study Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the final Prophet.

21. Divine Books

Study the revealed books.

Know:

  • Tawrat
  • Zabur
  • Injil
  • Qur’an

Understand the place of the Qur’an among the revealed books.

22. Day of Judgment

Study:

  • Meaning of Day of Judgment
  • Resurrection
  • Accountability
  • Judgment
  • Paradise
  • Hell
  • Rewards
  • Punishment

Understand how belief in the Hereafter influences a Muslim’s behaviour.

23. Divine Decree

Study:

  • Meaning of divine decree
  • Belief in Allah’s knowledge
  • Human responsibility
  • Free will
  • Accountability

Understand the balance between belief in Allah’s decree and human responsibility for actions.

24. Fiqh — Islamic Jurisprudence

Fiqh deals with Islamic laws and practical religious duties.

Study:

  • Meaning of Fiqh
  • Sources of Islamic law
  • Qur’an
  • Sunnah
  • Ijma’
  • Qiyas

Also learn how Islamic law applies to daily life.

25. Taharah — Purification

Study:

  • Meaning of purification
  • Importance of cleanliness
  • Wudu
  • Ghusl
  • Tayammum
  • Impurities
  • Methods of purification

Know the conditions and procedures for purification.

26. Salah — Prayer

Study:

  • Meaning of Salah
  • Importance of Salah
  • Conditions of Salah
  • Times of prayer
  • Pillars of Salah
  • Obligatory acts
  • Sunnah acts
  • Things that invalidate Salah
  • Congregational prayer

Also learn about the importance of regular prayer.

27. Zakah

Study:

  • Meaning of Zakah
  • Importance
  • Conditions
  • Eligible recipients
  • Types of wealth subject to Zakah
  • Benefits of Zakah

Understand how Zakah supports social welfare.

28. Sawm — Fasting

Study:

  • Meaning of Sawm
  • Importance of fasting
  • Ramadan
  • Conditions of fasting
  • Things that invalidate fasting
  • Exemptions
  • Benefits of fasting

Also learn the moral lessons of fasting.

29. Hajj

Study:

  • Meaning of Hajj
  • Importance
  • Conditions
  • Ihram
  • Tawaf
  • Sa’i
  • Arafah
  • Muzdalifah
  • Mina
  • Stoning of the Jamarat
  • Sacrifice

Understand the main stages of Hajj.

30. Islamic Marriage

Study:

  • Meaning of marriage
  • Importance
  • Conditions of valid marriage
  • Rights of husband
  • Rights of wife
  • Responsibilities of spouses
  • Divorce
  • Waiting period
  • Reconciliation

Understand the importance of justice and responsibility in family life.

31. Islamic Inheritance

Study:

  • Meaning of inheritance
  • Importance
  • Eligible heirs
  • Shares
  • Rights of heirs
  • Principles of inheritance

Pay attention to how Islamic inheritance rules protect family rights.

32. Islamic Morality

Islamic Studies also examines good character.

Study:

  • Honesty
  • Trustworthiness
  • Patience
  • Forgiveness
  • Justice
  • Kindness
  • Modesty
  • Respect
  • Responsibility

Also study the dangers of:

  • Lying
  • Stealing
  • Cheating
  • Bribery
  • Backbiting
  • Slander
  • Envy
  • Oppression

33. Islamic Social Life

Study the Islamic view of:

  • Family
  • Neighbours
  • Community
  • Brotherhood
  • Justice
  • Equality
  • Human dignity
  • Cooperation

Understand how Muslims are expected to relate with other people.

34. Islamic Economic Life

Study:

  • Lawful earning
  • Trade
  • Business ethics
  • Interest
  • Zakah
  • Charity
  • Fair dealing
  • Prohibition of fraud
  • Prohibition of cheating

You should understand the Islamic principles of economic justice.

35. Islamic Political Life

Study:

  • Leadership
  • Justice
  • Consultation
  • Responsibility
  • Obedience
  • Accountability
  • Rights and duties

Also learn from the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the early Muslim community.

36. Islamic Contributions to Knowledge

Study the contributions of Muslims to:

  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Mathematics
  • Astronomy
  • Geography
  • Literature
  • Philosophy

Understand how Islamic civilisation contributed to learning and intellectual development.

WAEC Islamic Studies Questions and Answers

Many candidates search for WAEC Islamic Studies questions and answers when preparing for the examination.

Past questions can help.

Use them to test what you have learned.

A good method is:

Study the topic → Answer questions → Check your answers → Correct your mistakes → Revise.

Do not depend on claims that anyone knows the exact questions WAEC will set.

No one can honestly guarantee the exact questions that will appear.

You should prepare from the syllabus and practise widely.

You can also explore our WAEC Past Questions and Answers resources.

How to Prepare for WAEC IRS 2027

Here is a simple study plan.

Step 1: Get the syllabus

Start with the syllabus.

Step 2: Study the Qur’an

Know the prescribed passages and understand their lessons.

Step 3: Study Hadith

Learn the meaning and lessons of the prescribed Hadith.

Step 4: Study Islamic history

Do not only memorise names.

Understand the events, causes, results and lessons.

Step 5: Study Fiqh

Learn the rules and practical applications.

Step 6: Practise essay questions

Write your answers in clear points.

Step 7: Answer past questions

Use past questions to test yourself.

Step 8: Revise often

Return to difficult topics.

How to Answer WAEC Islamic Studies Essay Questions

When answering essay questions, do not write everything you know.

Answer the question directly.

Start with a short introduction.

Then give your points clearly.

Explain each point where necessary.

Use relevant Qur’anic verses and Hadith when required.

Finally, conclude your answer.

Good handwriting and clear organisation also make your work easier to follow.

WAEC Islamic Studies Online Lessons

You can combine your syllabus with online lessons.

A simple study pattern is:

Syllabus → Lesson → Qur’an/Hadith → Notes → Past Questions → Revision

This helps you study with a clear plan.

O3SCHOOLS JAMB App for Candidates

If you are also preparing for JAMB, you can use the O3SCHOOLS JAMB App for additional study and CBT practice.

Android

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iafsawii.o3schools.jamb&hl=en

iPhone and iPad

https://apps.apple.com/ng/app/o3schools-jamb-app/id6743569200

PC, Desktop and Laptop

https://o3schools.com/jambapp

WAEC Syllabus for Other Subjects

If Islamic Studies is one of your WAEC subjects, you can also study other subjects on O3SCHOOLS.

Check:

You can also visit the main WAEC Syllabus for All Subjects page.

WAEC 2027 Registration and Examination Resources

While preparing for Islamic Studies, keep up with your WAEC registration and examination updates.

Start with:

For the current 2026 examination cycle, WAEC’s timetable lists Islamic Studies Paper 1 as an objective paper and Paper 2 as an essay paper, which matches the two-paper structure used above.

Frequently Asked Questions About WAEC IRS Syllabus 2027

What is the WAEC IRS syllabus?

The WAEC IRS syllabus is a guide to the Islamic Studies topics candidates should study for the examination.

It covers Islamic history, the Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid and Fiqh.

What is IRS in WAEC?

IRS means Islamic Religious Studies.

WAEC commonly lists the subject as Islamic Studies in its current Nigerian examination information.

What are the major WAEC Islamic Studies topics?

The major areas include:

  • Tarikh
  • Qur’an
  • Hadith
  • Tawhid
  • Fiqh
  • Islamic history
  • Islamic morality
  • Islamic social teachings
  • Islamic economic teachings

How many papers does WAEC Islamic Studies have?

The syllabus provides for two papers:

  • Paper 1 — Objective
  • Paper 2 — Essay

Is WAEC Islamic Studies an essay subject?

Yes.

Paper 2 contains essay questions.

You should practise writing clear and well-organised answers.

Can past questions help me pass WAEC Islamic Studies?

Yes.

Past questions can help you understand question patterns and test your knowledge.

But you should study the syllabus too.

Where can I download the WAEC IRS syllabus?

You can download the WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Syllabus PDF.

You can also visit our WAEC Syllabus page.

Final Words

That’s the much we can take on the topic “WAEC IRS Syllabus 2027 | Download WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus PDF.”

If you are preparing for Islamic Studies, start early.

Get the syllabus.

Read the Qur’an.

Study the Hadith.

Understand Islamic history.

Learn your Fiqh.

Practise essay questions.

Use past questions for revision.

And go back to difficult topics until you understand them.

Do not study only to memorise.

Study to understand.

Read. Understand. Practise. Revise.

O3SCHOOLS TEAM

Related WAEC Resources

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