The WAEC IRS (Islamic Religious Studies) exam is an essential subject for students interested in learning about Islam, its teachings, history, and its influence on society. To succeed in this exam, it is important to focus on the most frequently repeated topics and practice past questions.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with a list of highly repeated topics in the WAEC IRS exam 2025/2026 and some past questions to help you prepare effectively.
Overview of the WAEC IRS Exam
The WAEC IRS exam is divided into two main sections:
- Objective Section: This section consists of multiple-choice questions that test students' knowledge on Islamic teachings, history, and practices.
- Essay Section: Students are required to write detailed essays on various topics, demonstrating an understanding of Islamic principles and their application in modern society.
To do well, it is essential to focus on understanding the core principles of Islam, including its history, major figures, and key texts like the Qur'an and Hadith.
Highly Repeated Topics in WAEC IRS Exam (2025/2026)
Focusing on the following topics will give you an edge in your preparations for the WAEC IRS exam.
1. The Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Birth and Early Life: Study the early life of Prophet Muhammad, his family background, and his upbringing.
- Prophethood and Revelation: Learn about the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad in the cave of Hira, his mission as a prophet, and the key messages of Islam.
- Migration to Medina (Hijra): Understand the significance of the Hijra (migration) and how it marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
- Key Teachings: Focus on the core teachings of Islam as conveyed by Prophet Muhammad, such as faith in one God (Allah), prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
- The Hadith: Study the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in the Hadith collections, and their significance for Islamic practice.
2. The Qur'an and Its Significance
- Revelation of the Qur'an: Study how the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years and its significance as the final divine scripture in Islam.
- Structure of the Qur'an: Understand the division of the Qur'an into Surahs (chapters) and Ayahs (verses), and their meanings.
- Themes of the Qur'an: Focus on major themes in the Qur'an, such as the oneness of Allah, justice, mercy, guidance for life, and laws of the community.
- Importance of Memorizing and Reciting the Qur'an: Study the significance of memorizing and reciting the Qur'an, and its role in Islamic education.
3. The Five Pillars of Islam
- Shahada (Faith): Study the declaration of faith in Islam, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger,” and its significance.
- Salat (Prayer): Learn about the five daily prayers in Islam, their timings, and the importance of prayer in maintaining a strong connection with Allah.
- Zakat (Charity): Understand the obligation of giving charity, the percentage of wealth to be given (2.5%), and the social benefits of Zakat.
- Sawm (Fasting): Study the practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan, its spiritual significance, and the rules surrounding it.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Learn about the significance of the pilgrimage to Mecca, its rituals, and its place in Islamic worship.
4. Islamic Law (Sharia)
- Sources of Islamic Law: Study the primary sources of Islamic law, including the Qur'an, Hadith, Ijma'(consensus of scholars), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning).
- Major Categories of Law: Understand the different categories of Islamic law, including Ibadah (acts of worship), Mu'amalat (social transactions), Hudud (criminal law), and Akhlaq (ethics).
- Role of Islamic Scholars in Law: Focus on the role of scholars in interpreting and applying Islamic law.
5. The History of Islam
- Early Islamic History: Study the history of the Rashidun Caliphate, the reign of the first four caliphs, and the expansion of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
- Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties: Learn about the major Islamic dynasties, their contributions to Islamic civilization, and their political and cultural influence.
- Islamic Golden Age: Focus on the contributions of the Golden Age of Islam in fields such as science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.
- The Spread of Islam: Understand the factors that contributed to the spread of Islam across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
6. Islamic Beliefs and Practices
- Tawhid (Oneness of Allah): Study the concept of Tawhid, the belief in the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah.
- Angels in Islam: Learn about the role of angels in Islamic theology, including their duties as messengers and recorders of deeds.
- Prophethood in Islam: Understand the role of the prophets in Islam, their missions, and the finality of Prophet Muhammad as the last messenger.
7. Contemporary Issues in Islam
- Islam and Modernity: Study the relationship between Islam and modern society, including how Islamic principles apply to contemporary issues such as technology, politics, and education.
- Islamic Reform Movements: Learn about the various reform movements in Islam, including their goals and the challenges they face.
- Muslim Identity in a Globalized World: Focus on the challenges Muslims face in maintaining their religious identity while living in a globalized world.
Past Questions for WAEC IRS Exam (2025/2026)
Here are some past questions that reflect the structure and difficulty of the WAEC IRS exam:
1. The Role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Explain the early life of Prophet Muhammad and how it prepared him for his prophethood. What lessons can Muslims learn from his early experiences?
2. The Qur'an and Its Teachings
- Discuss the significance of the Qur'an in the life of a Muslim. How does it guide the actions and thoughts of Muslims in their daily lives?
3. The Five Pillars of Islam
- Describe the importance of fasting during the month of Ramadan. How does fasting contribute to the spiritual growth of a Muslim?
4. Islamic Law
- Explain the sources of Islamic law and their roles in shaping the behavior of Muslims. How does Sharia contribute to societal justice?
5. The Spread of Islam
- Analyze the factors that led to the spread of Islam in Africa. Discuss the role of Sufism and other Islamic movements in the spread of the faith.
Conclusion
To excel in the 2025/2026 WAEC IRS exam, it is essential to understand the key topics in Islamic teachings, history, and law. Focus on repeated topics such as Prophet Muhammad's life, the Qur'an, the Five Pillars of Islam, and Islamic law. By practicing past questions and mastering these topics, you’ll be well-prepared for success in the exam.
Good luck with your preparation!
