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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco Irs Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) is one of the core subjects for Muslim students writing the NECO SSCE. The subject tests your knowledge of the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic history, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and moral teachings.
This blog covers all you need to succeed in the 2025/2026 NECO IRS exam — most repeated topics, sample past questions, frequently tested Qur’anic verses, and smart revision tips.
NECO IRS Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective (OBJ) | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper II | Essay (Theory) | 6 structured essay questions — answer 4 |
Most Repeated NECO IRS Topics (2025/2026)
| Topic Category | Specific Areas of Focus |
|---|---|
| Qur’anic Studies | Surahs: Al-Fātiḥah, Al-Ikhlās, Al-Kāfirūn, Al-‘Alaq, Al-Zilzāl |
| Ḥadīth Studies | Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on faith, truth, patience, unity |
| Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) | Types of Tawheed, attributes of Allah, shirk |
| Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) | Ablution (wudu), prayer (ṣalāt), fasting (ṣawm), zakāt, ḥajj |
| Islamic Morals & Ethics | Honesty, patience, discipline, humility, respect for elders |
| Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) | Birth, prophethood, Hijrah, major battles, final sermon |
| Rightly Guided Caliphs | Abū Bakr, Umar, Uthmān, and Ali — achievements and leadership |
| Islamic History | Spread of Islam, early companions, Meccan and Medinan periods |
| Islamic Contributions to Society | Education, science, leadership, justice in Islam |
Sample NECO IRS Objective Questions
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The first Surah of the Qur’an is called:
A. Al-Ikhlās
B. Al-Fātiḥah
C. Al-Baqarah
D. Al-Nās
✅ Answer: B -
Which of the following is NOT a Pillar of Islam?
A. Ṣalāt
B. Zakāt
C. Ṣawm
D. Jihād
✅ Answer: D -
Who led the Muslims during the Battle of Badr?
A. Umar
B. Uthmān
C. Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
D. Abū Bakr
✅ Answer: C
Sample NECO IRS Essay Questions
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Discuss the significance of Ṣalāt in the life of a Muslim.
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Explain the lesson derived from Surah Al-Kāfirūn.
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Highlight the roles played by Abū Bakr during the early spread of Islam.
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Outline the steps and benefits of observing ṣawm (fasting).
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Describe the importance of honesty as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
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Trace the Hijrah of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah and its importance.
Topic Frequency Table (NECO IRS 2021–2024)
| Year | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Surah studies, Ṣalāt, Prophet's life, Hadith on morals |
| 2023 | Rightly guided caliphs, Ablution, Fasting, Tawheed |
| 2022 | Unity in Islam, Early battles, Qur’an memorization |
| 2021 | Zakāt, Islamic ethics, Surah Al-Zilzāl, Leadership |
Key Qur’anic Passages to Study
| Surah | Key Message |
|---|---|
| Al-Fātiḥah | Praise and guidance |
| Al-Kāfirūn | Religious tolerance and clear distinction in belief |
| Al-‘Alaq (first 5) | Importance of knowledge and reading |
| Al-Zilzāl | Judgement Day and accountability |
| Al-Ikhlās | Tawheed – Oneness of Allah |
Smart Tips to Pass NECO IRS (2025/2026)
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Memorize important Qur’anic verses and their meanings.
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Study the five pillars of Islam and their significance.
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Use past questions to practice both OBJ and essay formats.
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Learn at least 5 Hadiths with Arabic text and explanation.
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Revise the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) — especially the Hijrah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Qur’anic verses asked in Arabic or English?
Usually in English, but some questions may include Arabic with translation.
Q: Do I need to write full Surahs in the exam?
Not always. You may be asked for explanation or key lessons, not full recitation.
Q: Is Hadith in Arabic compulsory?
No. Understanding the meaning and lesson is more important.
Q: How many essay questions should I answer?
Answer 4 out of 6 questions in the theory section.
Final Thoughts
NECO IRS is not just about remembering religious facts — it's about understanding the values of Islam and being able to express them clearly in your answers. Focus on repeated Qur’anic chapters, Hadith lessons, and the life of the Prophet, and you’ll be on your way to an excellent result.
“He who learns his religion deeply walks on the path of light.”
