Subject overview
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:
Official syllabus Content is taken from the official JAMB UTME syllabus (IBASS). Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm at jamb.gov.ng.
Your progress
Mark topics as you go to track your readiness.
Study the syllabus below, then test yourself. Move each topic from Not started → Learning → Practising → Mastered.
General objectives
The Islamic Studies syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to:
- ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS STUDIES
- 1. master the Qur’ān and Sunnah as foundations of Islamic and social life;
- 2. be familiar with Islamic heritage, culture and civilization;
- 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.
How this paper is examined
JAMB Islamic Studies is a Computer-Based Test of 40 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. It is taken with Use of English and two other subjects, for 180 questions in two hours overall.
How to use this syllabus: don't just read it — turn each topic into a checklist. Study a topic, then immediately practise questions on it so the knowledge sticks. Give extra time to the sections that carry the most topics, and revisit weak areas with timed practice as the exam approaches.
Topics & recommended order
Work through these topics in order. Mark each one as you go — your progress is saved on this device.
1. Revelation of the Glorious Qur’ān
Not startedTHE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH · Study
3. Introduction to Tajwīd (Theory and
Not startedTHE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH · Study
4. Study of the Arabic text of the following
Not startedTHE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH · Study
6. Moral lessons in the Glorious Qur’ān and
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7. PART II: TAWHĪD AND FIQH
Not startedTHE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH · Study
8. Articles of faith
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9. Ibadat and their types
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10. Family Matters
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THE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH · Study
12. (v) Polygamy (Q.4:3 and 129)
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13. Sources and Schools of Law
Not startedTHE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH · Study
14. Islamic Economic System
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15. Islamic Political System
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16. Pre-Islamic Arabia (Jahiliyyah)
Not startedISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION · Study
17. The Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Not startedISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION · Study
18. The Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-Khulafa’u
Not startedISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION · Study
19. Early contact of Islam with Africa
Not startedISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION · Study
20. The Impact of Islam in West Africa
Not startedISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION · Study
21. Contributions of Islam to Education
Not startedISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION · Study
Full Islamic Studies syllabus
Every section and topic below is from the official JAMB syllabus, reproduced faithfully.
PART 1: THE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH
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)
- (v) Names and attributes of the Qur’ān
2. Tafsīr
- (i) Historical development of Tafsīr
- (ii) Importance of Tafsīr
- (iii) Types of Tafsīr
3. Introduction to Tajwīd (Theory and
- Practice
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)
- (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.
- (i) examine the importance of the Glorious Qur’ān.
- (i) evaluate the proof of the divine authenticity of the Glorious Qur’ān;
- (ii) evaluate the uniqueness of the Glorious Qur’ān;
- (iii) examine the ways by which the Glorious
- Qur’ān was preserved.
5. Study of the Arabic text of the following
- suwar/ayats with tajwīd
- (a) al-Acalā (Q.87)
- (b) ad-Duhā (Q.93)
- (c) al-Inshirah (Q.94)
- (d) at-Tīn (Q.95)
- (e) al-cAlaq (Q.96)
- (f) al-Qadr (Q.97)
- (g) al-Bayyinah (Q.98)
- (h) al-Zalzalah (Q.99)
- (i) Ayatul-Kursiyy (Q.2:255)
- (j) Āmanar-Rasūl (Q.2:285-6)
- (k) Laqad jāakum (Q.9:128-129)
6. Hadīth
- (a) History of Hadīth literature -
- Collection of Hadīth from the time of the Prophet (SAW) to the period of the six authentic collectors of Hadīth
- (b) Authentication of Hadīth
- (i) Isnād (Asma’ur-rijāl)
- (ii) Matn
- (iii) Classification of Hadīth into Sahīh
- Hassan and Dacīf
7. Moral lessons in the Glorious Qur’ān and
- Hadīth
- (a) General moral lessons contained in the admonition of Sage Luqman to his son
- (Q.31:12-18).
- (b) Goodness to parents (Q.17:23-24)
- (c) Honesty (Q.2:42) (Q.61:2-3)
- (d) Prohibition of bribery and corruption (Q:
- 2:188), alcohol and gambling (Q.2:219)
- (Q.5:90-91), stealing and fraud (Q.5:41) (83:1-5), smoking, drug abuse and other intoxicants (Q.2:172-173, 195 and 219)
- (Q.4:43)
- (Q.5:3)
- (Q.6:118-121) arrogance (Q.31:18-19) and extravagance
- (Q.17:26-27) (Q.31:18-19)
- (e) Dignity of labour (Q.62:10) (Q.78:11)
- Hadīth from Bukhari and Ibn Majah:
- “that one of you takes his rope…….”
- “never has anyone of you eaten……”.
8. PART II: TAWHĪD AND FIQH
- (a) Faith
- (i) Tawhīd
- Its importance and lessons
- (b) Kalimatush-Shahadah
- (i) Its meaning and importance
- (i) demonstrate the teachings of the verses in their daily lives.
- (i) apply the teachings of the verses in their daily lives.
- (i) apply the teachings of the verses and the
- Hadīth to their daily lives.
- (i) demonstrate the teachings of the verses and the Hadīth in their daily lives.
- (i) apply the teachings of the verses and the ahadīth in their daily lives.
- (i) Interpret the teachings of the verses and the
- Hadīth in their daily lives.
- (i) demonstrate the teachings of the verses and the Hadīth in their daily lives.
- (i) apply the teachings of the verses and the ahadīth in their daily lives.
9. Articles of faith
- (a) Belief in Allah
- (i) Existence of Allah (Q.2:255)
- (Q.52:35-36)
- (ii) Attributes of Allah (Q.59:22-24)
- (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.4:163-164)
- (e) The Last Day: Yawm-al-Bacth
- (Q.23:15-16) (Q.70:4)
- (f) Destiny: distinction between Qada and Qadar
- (Q.2:117) (Q.16:40) (Q.36:82)
10. Ibadat and their types
- (a) Good deeds (Q.3:134) (Q.6:160) (Q.2:177)
- (Q.31:8) (Q.103:1-3) 26th Hadīth of an-
- Nawāwī
- (b) Taharah, its types and importance (al- istinja’/istijmar, alwudu’, at-tayammum and al-ghusl (Q.2:222) (Q.5:7) Hadīth 10 and 23 of an-Nawāwī.
- (c) Salah
- (i) Importance:
- (Q.2:45)
- (Q.20:132)
- (Q.29:45) and Hadīth 23rd of an-
- Nawāwī
- (ii) Description and types of salah
- (iii) Things that vitiate salah
11. Family Matters
- (a) Marriage
- (i) Importance (Q.16:72) (Q.24:32)
- (Q.30:20-21)
- (ii) Prohibited categories (Q.2:221) (Q.4:22-
24) (iii) Conditions for its validity (Q.4:4)
- (Q.4:24-25)
- (iv) Rights and duties of husbands and wives (Q.4:34-35) (Q.20:132) (Q.65:6-
7) (v) Polygamy (Q.4:3 and 129)
- (b) Idrar ill-treatment of wife (Q. 65:1-3)
- (i) differentiate between the various types of zakkah and the time of giving them out;
- (ii) explain how to collect and distribute zakah;
- (iii) distinguish between zakah and sadaqah.
- (i) compare the various types of sawm;
- (ii) list the people who are exempted from fasting;
- (iii) explain things that vitiate fasting.
- (i) examine the importance of Hajj;
- (ii) differentiate between the types of Hajj;
- (iii) explain the essentials of Hajj;
- (iv) evaluate the conditions for performance of
- Hajj;
- (v) differentiate between Hajj and Umrah.
- (i) examine the concepts of jihad and its type;
- (ii) evaluate the manner of carrying out jihad and its lessons.
12. Sources and Schools of Law
- (i) The four major sources (the Qur’ān,
- Sunnah, Ijmac and Qiyās)
- (ii) The four Sunni Schools of law and their founders.
13. Islamic Economic System
- (i) Islamic attitude to Riba (Q.2:275-280)
- (Q.3:130) (Q.4:161) Hadīth 6th of an-
- Nawāwī
- (ii) At-tatfif (Q.83:1-6)
- (i) analyse the attitude of Islam to divorce.
- (i) examine the different kinds of divorce;
- (i) differentiate between the various kinds of iddah;
- (ii) analyse its duration and significance.
- (i) explain the prohibited forms of ending marriage.
- (i) examine who has the right to custody of children.
- (i) evaluate the significance of inheritance.
- (i) identify the categories of the Qur’ānic heirs;
- (ii) explain the share of each heir;
14. Islamic Political System
- (i) Allah as the Sovereign (Q.3:26-27)
- (ii) The concept of Shurah (consultation)
- (Q.3:159) (Q.42:38)
- (iii) The concept of Adalah (justice)
- (Q.5.9)
- (Q.4:58 and
- 135) and
- Mas’uliyah (accountability) (Q.17:36)
- (Q..102:8)
- (iv) The rights of non-Muslims in an
- Islamic state (Q.2:256) (Q.6:108)
- (v) Differences between the Islamic political system and the Western political system.
PART III: ISLAMIC HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION
15. Pre-Islamic Arabia (Jahiliyyah)
- (i) Jahiliyyah practices: idol worship, infancticide, polyandry, gambling, usury, etc.
- (ii) Islamic reforms
16. The Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
- (i) His birth and early life
- (ii) His call to Prophethood
- (iii) His Dacwah in Makkah and Madinah
- (i) examine ihtikar and its implications on society.
- (i) identify the sources of revenue in Islam;
- (ii) evaluate the disbursement of the revenue.
- (i) explain the uses of baitul-mal in the
- Ummah.
- (i) differentiate between the Islamic and
- Western economic systems.
17. The Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-Khulafa’u
- rashidun) – the lives and contributions of the four
- Rightly Guided Caliphs
18. Early contact of Islam with Africa
- (i) Hijrah to Abyssinia
- (ii) The spread of Islam to Egypt
- (iii) The role of traders, teachers, preachers,
- Murabitun,
- Sufi orders and
- Mujaddidun to the spread of Islam in
- West Africa.
19. The Impact of Islam in West Africa
- (i) The influence of Islam on the socio- political life of some West African
- Empires: Ghana, Mali, Songhai and
- Borno
- (ii) The impact of Islam on the economic life of some West African states:
- Timbuktu, Kano and Borno
- (i) account for the Hijrah of the Prophet
- Muhammad
- (SAW) in
- Makkah and
- Madinah.
- (i) analyse the administration of the Muslim
- Ummah in Madinah.
- (i) account for the causes and effects of the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq;
- (i) trace the circumstances leading to the formulation of the Treaty of Hudaibiyya;
- (ii) account for the Conquest of Makkah;
- (i) examine the farewell pilgrimage of the
- Prophet and its lessons;
- (i) analyse the qualities of Muhammad (SAW) their relevance to the life of a Muslim.
20. Contributions of Islam to Education
- (i) The aims and objectives of Islamic
- Education
- (ii) The Glorious Qur’ān and Hadīth on
- Education (Q.96:1-5) (Q.39:9)
- (i) “The search for knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim” (Ibn Majah)
- (ii) “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”
- (iii) “The words of wisdom are a lost property of the believer … a better right to it…. “(Tirmidhi)
- (iii) Intellectual activities of Islam in West
- Africa (development of written history in
- Arabic and the establishment of Sankore University)
- (iv) Intellectual activities of Ahmad Baba of Timbuktu, Sheikh al-Maghili,
- Sheikh Usman Danfodio, Sultan
- Muhammad Bello and Ibn Battuta
- (vi) Islamic Education Institutions: House of Wisdom in Baghdad, al-Azhar
- University in Cairo and Nizamiyyah
- University in Baghdad.
- (vi) The lives and contributions of Ibn Sina,
- Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, ar-Razi and
- Ibn Khaldun to education.
Recommended next steps
All subjects · Subject combination checker · JAMB information · CBT practice
Frequently asked questions
How many questions does JAMB set in Islamic Studies?
JAMB sets 40 multiple-choice questions in Islamic Studies, each carrying equal marks for a total of 100 marks. Only Use of English has more (60 questions); every other subject follows this 40-question pattern, and your four subjects together make 180 questions and 400 marks.
How long is the exam and how much time per question?
The whole UTME lasts two hours (120 minutes) for all four subjects combined — about 40 seconds per question on average. Pace yourself: answer the questions you know quickly, flag the hard ones, and come back to them.
Is Islamic Studies compulsory in JAMB?
Use of English is the only universally compulsory subject. Islamic Studies is accepted for Arabic/Islamic Studies, Law, Religious Studies and many arts courses.
How is the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus structured?
The Islamic Studies syllabus covers the Qur'an and Hadith, Tawhid (theology), Fiqh (Islamic law and practice) and Islamic history and civilisation.
What should I focus on most in Islamic Studies?
Know the referenced Qur'anic passages and Hadith, the pillars of Islam and Iman, and key events in Islamic history. Understand meanings and applications, not just names.
Does JAMB repeat past questions in Islamic Studies?
JAMB does not announce a policy of repeating questions, but the syllabus changes little from year to year, so the same topics and question styles recur. Studying strictly by the syllabus and practising many questions per topic is the dependable approach — never rely on 'expo', which is a scam.
Is there negative marking in JAMB Islamic Studies?
No. JAMB does not use negative marking, so a wrong answer scores zero with no penalty. Always attempt every question, even if you have to make an educated guess.
What textbooks are recommended for JAMB Islamic Studies?
Use the Qur'an with translation together with a recommended SSS Islamic Studies textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus.
Where can I find the official Islamic Studies syllabus?
The official source is the JAMB e-syllabus on the IBASS portal (jamb.gov.ng). The full topics are reproduced on this page for easy study, but always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal before your exam.
How can I prepare for Islamic Studies on Belmadeng?
Study the full syllabus on this page, turn each topic into a checklist, and track your progress from Not started to Mastered. Belmadeng is adding more practice questions across subjects — explore CBT practice and the Study Centre as they grow.
Source: official JAMB UTME Islamic Studies syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.