Hadīth: JAMB Islamic Studies Questions, Answers & Notes

What Hadīth covers in the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus

A hadīth is a report of the sayings, actions or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (SAW); together these form the Sunnah, the second source of Islamic teaching after the Qur'an, which it explains and complements. Each hadīth has two parts: the isnad (chain of narrators) and the matn (the text/content); a narrator is a rawi. Scholars examined the character and memory of narrators to grade a hadīth as sahih (authentic), hasan (good), da'if (weak) or mawdu' (fabricated/forged). Famous compilers of authentic hadīth include Imam al-Bukhari (Sahih al-Bukhari) and Imam Muslim (Sahih Muslim), whose collections together are called the Sahihayn. The Hadīth was carefully collected and verified to preserve the Prophet's teachings, and it is a source of Islamic law (Shari'ah) and daily guidance. Following the Sunnah means following the example of the Prophet. The main importance of the Hadīth is that it explains and complements the Qur'an.

For Hadīth, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Define hadīth/Sunnah and its rank as the second source after the Qur'an
• Explain isnad and matn, and gradings (sahih, hasan, da'if, mawdu')
• Recall the famous compilers (Bukhari, Muslim); its role in Shari'ah

Key facts & revision notes: Hadīth

These are the recurring points our Hadīth questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• A hadīth is a report of the sayings, actions or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• The Hadīth (Sunnah) is the second source of Islamic teaching after the Qur'an.
• The Sunnah is the sum of the Prophet's sayings, actions and approvals.
• A hadīth has an isnad (chain of narrators) and a matn (the actual text/content).
• The chain of narrators of a hadīth is called the isnad.
• A hadīth that meets all conditions of authenticity is graded sahih (authentic/sound).
• A hadīth that is weak in its chain or content is called da'if (weak).
• A fabricated report falsely attributed to the Prophet is called mawdu' (forged).
• Imam al-Bukhari was a famous compiler of authentic hadīth (Sahih al-Bukhari).
• Imam Muslim compiled the famous hadīth collection Sahih Muslim.
• Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim together are called the Sahihayn (the two Sahihs).
• The Hadīth explains and gives detail to the general teachings of the Qur'an.
• A person who narrates a hadīth is called a rawi (narrator).
• Scholars examined the character, honesty and memory of the narrators to judge authenticity.
• The Hadīth is a source of Islamic law (Shari'ah) and guidance.
• A hadīth that is reliable but slightly below sahih is called hasan (good).
• The Hadīth was carefully collected and verified to preserve the Prophet's teachings.
• Following the Sunnah means following the example and teachings of the Prophet.
• The Hadīth guides Muslims in worship and daily conduct.
• The main importance of the Hadīth is that it explains and complements the Qur'an as a source of guidance.

Worked examples

Three Hadīth questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Hadīth is tested in JAMB Islamic Studies

Our Hadīth bank holds 20 questions (10 medium, 10 hard). JAMB Islamic Studies typically returns to Hadīth year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Hadīth questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Hadīth. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Islamic Studies item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Hadīth is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Hadīth

The errors that cost marks on Hadīth are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Hadīth actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hadīth part of the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus?

Yes. Hadīth is a recognised topic in the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus, covering define hadīth/Sunnah and its rank as the second source after the Qur'an. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Hadīth questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 20 original, JAMB-standard Hadīth questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Hadīth?

A hadīth is a report of the sayings, actions or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (SAW); together these form the Sunnah, the second source of Islamic teaching after the Qur'an, which it explains and complements. Each hadīth has two parts: the isnad (chain of narrators) and the matn (the text/content); a…

How do I answer Hadīth questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Hadīth. Practising timed Hadīth questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Islamic Studies Hadīth questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Hadīth questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Hadīth practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Islamic Studies syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.