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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec Gce Irs Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) is one of the core subjects for Muslim candidates writing WAEC GCE. The exam tests your knowledge of the Qur’an, Hadith, Tawheed, Fiqh, and Islamic history. Many questions are repeated year after year, so focusing on those areas gives you an advantage.
In this blog, you’ll find a list of the most repeated WAEC GCE IRS topics, sample past questions, revision tips, and everything you need to score high.
WAEC GCE IRS Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective (50 questions) | Multiple-choice questions across IRS topics |
| Paper 2 | Theory (Essay) | Answer 4 out of 6 questions: Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Tawheed, etc. |
Most Repeated WAEC GCE IRS Topics
| Section | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| Qur’anic Studies | Revelation, compilation, Surah analysis (Qur’an 2, 4, 49, 109, 112), Tawheed in Qur’an |
| Hadith | Types (Sahih, Da’if, Hasan), 40 Hadith of An-Nawawi, sources of Hadith |
| Tawheed | Attributes of Allah (Asma’ wa Sifaat), Shirk, Iman, types of Tawheed |
| Fiqh (Islamic Law) | Ablution (Wudu), prayer (Salat), fasting (Sawm), zakat, hajj, marriage, inheritance |
| Islamic History | Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hijrah, Caliphate (Khulafa'ur-Rashidun), battles (Badr, Uhud) |
| Islamic Morals | Honesty, patience, truthfulness, justice, discipline, forgiveness |
WAEC GCE IRS Sample Objective Questions (Paper 1)
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The first Surah revealed to the Prophet (SAW) is:
A. Surah Yasin
B. Surah Al-Alaq
C. Surah Fatiha
D. Surah Baqarah
✅ Correct Answer: B -
Which Hadith collection is considered the most authentic?
A. Sunan Ibn Majah
B. Sahih Muslim
C. Sahih Bukhari
D. Sunan Abu Dawud
✅ Correct Answer: C -
The battle that marked the turning point for Muslims was:
A. Battle of Uhud
B. Battle of Badr
C. Battle of Tabuk
D. Battle of Khandaq
✅ Correct Answer: B
WAEC GCE IRS Theory Questions (Paper 2)
Question 1 (Repeated)
Explain the circumstances that led to the compilation of the Qur’an during the Caliphate of Uthman Ibn Affan.
Answer Points:
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Death of companions who memorized the Qur’an
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Differences in recitation styles
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Need to preserve the Qur’an in one standard form
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Uthman compiled and distributed standard copies
Question 2 (Repeated)
Write short notes on the significance of Tawheed in Islam.
Answer Points:
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Tawheed is the foundation of Islam
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Belief in the oneness of Allah
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It distinguishes Islam from polytheistic religions
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Opposes shirk (associating partners with Allah)
Question 3 (Likely to Repeat)
Discuss the importance of Zakat and how it helps the Muslim Ummah.
Most Repeated IRS Topics by Year
| Year | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Compilation of the Qur’an, Zakat, Hadith classification |
| 2023 | Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Attributes of Allah |
| 2022 | Hajj, Marriage in Islam, Caliphate system |
| 2021 | Surah Al-Baqarah, Shirk vs Tawheed, Types of Hadith |
| 2020 | Inheritance, Salah, Islamic moral values |
Table: Five Pillars of Islam & Their Importance
| Pillar | Arabic Name | Purpose/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Faith | Shahada | Declaration of oneness of Allah and prophethood of Muhammad |
| Prayer | Salat | Connects Muslims with Allah daily |
| Charity | Zakat | Purifies wealth and helps the needy |
| Fasting | Sawm | Teaches self-discipline and piety |
| Pilgrimage | Hajj | Unifies Muslims and fulfills a major religious obligation |
Tips to Score A1 in WAEC GCE IRS
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Study the Qur’anic verses with tafsir (meaning and interpretation)
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Understand 40 Hadiths of An-Nawawi with context
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Master the biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Rightly Guided Caliphs
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Know the pillars and principles of Fiqh like ablution, salat, fasting, and inheritance
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Practice answering both objective and theory past questions
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Use flashcards to memorize Arabic terms and their meanings
WAEC GCE IRS FAQs
Q: Will IRS include Arabic translations?
You’re expected to write transliterations (e.g. Surahs, Hadith) and explain their meanings, but not in full Arabic script.
Q: How many questions should I answer in theory?
You must answer four out of the six questions given.
Q: Can I score A1 in IRS without Islamic school background?
Yes! With consistent study of the right topics and past questions, you can.
Q: Are Islamic morals part of the IRS syllabus?
Yes. Topics like honesty, patience, humility, and discipline are often tested.
Final Words
The WAEC GCE IRS exam is not just about religious knowledge — it's about understanding how Islam shapes behavior, law, and daily life. With smart preparation and revision of past repeated topics, you’ll do well.
"To study IRS well is to understand the beauty, history, and discipline of Islam."
