The NECO IRS (Islamic Religious Studies) Exam is a critical subject for students pursuing the Senior Secondary Certificate through the National Examinations Council (NECO). The exam evaluates students' knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings, principles, history, and culture. A strategic approach to revision, focusing on highly repeated topics and past questions, is essential for achieving a top score in this exam.
This guide presents the highly repeated topics in the NECO IRS Exam 2025/2026, along with relevant past questionsto aid your preparation. By focusing on these key areas, you can enhance your understanding and performance on the exam.
Overview of the NECO IRS Exam
The NECO IRS Exam is designed to test students' knowledge in Islamic Studies, covering various aspects of the faith, such as:
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Islamic History
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Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
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Aqidah (Islamic Creed)
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Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis)
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Hadith (Prophetic Traditions)
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Islamic Practices and Ethics
The exam is divided into two main sections: theory and objective, testing both knowledge and analytical skills. Understanding the major areas of focus and frequently asked topics will ensure you are well-prepared.
Highly Repeated Topics in NECO IRS Exam 2025/2026
1. Islamic History
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Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Key events, battles, migration, and leadership.
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Example Question: Discuss the significance of the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah.
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Caliphates and Islamic Empires: The Rashidun Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, Abbasid Caliphate, and their contributions to Islamic civilization.
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Example Question: Describe the role of the Abbasid Caliphate in the development of Islamic civilization.
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Islamic Dynasties: Important dynasties like the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Ottomans, and their influence on the spread of Islam.
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Example Question: Explain the significance of the Umayyad Caliphate in the spread of Islam.
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2. Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
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Sources of Islamic Law: The Quran, Sunnah (Hadith), Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy).
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Example Question: Explain the sources of Islamic law and their roles in guiding Islamic jurisprudence.
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The Five Pillars of Islam: Detailed study of Shahadah (Faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakat (Almsgiving), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
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Example Question: Discuss the importance of Hajj in the life of a Muslim.
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Islamic Ethics: The concept of halal (permissible), haram (forbidden), makruh (discouraged), and mustahabb(recommended).
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Example Question: How does Islamic jurisprudence address issues of business ethics and social justice?
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Marriage and Family Laws: Islamic views on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family responsibilities.
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Example Question: Explain the Islamic perspective on inheritance and its importance in social justice.
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3. Aqidah (Islamic Creed)
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Belief in the Six Articles of Faith: Belief in Allah, Angels, Holy Books, Prophets, Day of Judgment, and Divine Decree.
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Example Question: Discuss the importance of the belief in the Six Articles of Faith in Islam.
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Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): The concept of monotheism and its significance in Islamic belief.
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Example Question: Explain the concept of Tawhid and its central role in Islamic theology.
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Prophethood: The role and characteristics of Prophets in Islam, focusing on the last Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH).
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Example Question: Discuss the significance of the finality of prophethood in Islam.
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4. Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis)
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Interpretation of the Quran: Basic principles of Quranic interpretation and key surahs (chapters) and ayahs (verses).
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Example Question: Discuss the importance of understanding the context (Asbab al-Nuzul) when interpreting the Quran.
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Themes of the Quran: Common themes such as guidance, justice, mercy, and creation.
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Example Question: Explain the theme of justice in the Quran and its application in modern society.
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The Miracle of the Quran: The Quran as a divine miracle, its preservation, and its linguistic excellence.
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Example Question: How does the Quran's miraculous nature serve as evidence of its divine origin?
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5. Hadith (Prophetic Traditions)
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Types of Hadith: The distinction between Sahih (authentic), Da'if (weak), and Hasan (good) hadiths.
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Example Question: Explain the difference between Sahih and Da'if hadith and their importance in Islamic scholarship.
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Major Collections of Hadith: Key books like Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, and their significance in Islamic law.
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Example Question: Discuss the contributions of Imam Bukhari in preserving the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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Hadith in Islamic Law: The role of hadiths in shaping Islamic practices and ethics.
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Example Question: How does the Hadith influence the practice of prayer (Salat) in Islam?
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Sample Past Questions for NECO IRS Exam 2025/2026
1. Islamic History
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Question: Discuss the significance of the Battle of Badr in Islamic history.
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Answer:
The Battle of Badr was a pivotal event in Islamic history. It marked the first major victory for the Muslims and established Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) leadership. The victory strengthened the morale of the Muslim community and solidified their position in Arabia.
2. Fiqh
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Question: Discuss the role of Zakat in Islam and its impact on social welfare.
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Answer:
Zakat, the compulsory almsgiving, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It helps purify wealth, promotes social justice, and ensures the welfare of the poor and needy in the Muslim community.
3. Aqidah
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Question: Explain the concept of Tawhid and its implications for a Muslim’s belief.
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Answer:
Tawhid is the Islamic concept of the oneness of Allah. It is the foundation of a Muslim’s belief, emphasizing that there is no deity but Allah, and any form of polytheism is strictly forbidden in Islam.
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the major areas of focus for NECO IRS?
The key areas to focus on are Islamic History, Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Aqidah (Islamic Creed), Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis), and Hadith (Prophetic Traditions).
Q2: How can I prepare effectively for the NECO IRS Exam?
Focus on highly repeated topics, study the Quran and Hadith, practice with past questions, and understand the context and themes of each topic.
Q3: Why is the study of Hadith important in the NECO IRS Exam?
Hadiths are the recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and are crucial in understanding Islamic law, ethics, and practices. They are regularly tested in the IRS exam.
Q4: How can I differentiate between Sahih and Da'if Hadith?
Sahih hadiths are authentic, verified by strong chains of narrators, while Da'if hadiths are weak due to unreliable narrators or missing links in the chain.
Q5: What role does Fiqh play in the NECO IRS Exam?
Fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence, is central to the IRS exam as it covers Islamic law, ethics, and societal practices. Understanding its principles helps in answering questions on social justice, ethics, and Islamic practices.
Conclusion
Preparing for the NECO IRS Exam 2025/2026 requires a deep understanding of Islamic history, jurisprudence, creed, Quranic interpretation, and hadith. By focusing on the highly repeated topics and practicing with past questions, you will be well-prepared to excel. Good luck with your studies and the exam!
