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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec | Gce Irs Syllabus + Success Tips (2025/2026): Official Guide
Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) is a compulsory subject for Muslim students writing WAEC and GCE exams. The subject tests your knowledge of the Qur'an, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Islamic history, and moral teachings. With proper understanding of the syllabus and focused preparation, you can easily excel in IRS. This official guide provides the latest WAEC and GCE IRS syllabus, exam format, key success tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
WAEC | GCE IRS Syllabus (2025/2026)
The WAEC/GCE IRS syllabus focuses on Qur'anic studies, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), Islamic history, and moral teachings. Below is the official breakdown:
1. Qur’an and Hadith
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Revelation of the Qur’an | Stages, preservation, significance |
| Compilation of the Qur’an | Methods, role of Caliphs Abu Bakr and Uthman |
| Tafsir of Selected Surahs | Surah Al-Fatiha, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Kawthar, Al-Nas, Al-Falaq |
| Hadith | Definition, compilation, classification, importance |
| Study of Selected Hadiths | Focus on moral lessons and meanings |
2. Tawheed (Islamic Theology)
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Concept of Tawheed | Unity of Allah, categories of Tawheed |
| Shirk (Polytheism) | Types, dangers, and consequences |
| Attributes of Allah | 99 Names (Asma-ul-Husna), meanings, and significance |
3. Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Five Pillars of Islam | Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj |
| Types of Salat | Obligatory, voluntary, Friday prayer, Eid prayer |
| Acts that Nullify Salat | Focus on daily prayer practices |
| Islamic Marriage and Divorce | Conditions, types of divorce (Talaq, Khul’) |
| Inheritance Rules | Distribution of wealth according to Islamic law |
4. Islamic History and Civilization
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) | Birth, prophethood, migration, battles, Farewell Sermon |
| The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs | Roles and contributions to Islam |
| Spread of Islam in West Africa | Methods, key figures, challenges |
| Islamic Culture and Education | Contributions to science, arts, and knowledge |
5. Moral Teachings in Islam
| Topics | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Islamic Manners (Adab) | Respect, cleanliness, honesty, charity |
| Avoidance of Bad Habits | Gambling, alcohol, backbiting, lying, envy |
| Rights and Duties | Towards parents, neighbours, community |
WAEC | GCE IRS Exam Format
| Paper | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50 Multiple Choice Questions | 1 Hour |
| Paper 2 | 5 Essay Questions (Answer All) | 2 Hours |
Top Success Tips for WAEC | GCE IRS Exam
| Success Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Memorize Short Surahs | For tafsir and explanation of meaning |
| Practice Hadith Interpretations | Hadiths often appear in both objective and essay |
| Focus on Prophet’s Biography | Always repeated in exam essays |
| Learn Shariah Rules | Fiqh questions test your understanding of practices |
| Practice Past Questions | Know question styles and repeated topics |
| Study with Classmates | Group studies help explain difficult topics |
| Understand Moral Teachings | Essential for practical life and essays |
| Use Recommended Textbooks | Like Islamic Religious Studies for WASSCE |
| Avoid Cramming | Focus on understanding, not just memorization |
| Manage Time in the Exam | Don’t overspend time on one question |
FAQs About WAEC | GCE IRS Exam
1. How many papers are in WAEC IRS?
Two: Paper 1 (Objectives) and Paper 2 (Theory/Essays).
2. Are short Surahs compulsory in WAEC IRS?
Yes. Surahs like Al-Fatiha, Al-Nas, and Al-Kawthar are always included in tafsir sections.
3. Which textbook is recommended?
Islamic Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools by Wale Ogunbiyi and WAEC Past Questions series.
4. How do I answer IRS essay questions?
Answer in clear paragraphs, define terms properly, quote Qur'anic verses or Hadiths when needed, and explain moral lessons.
5. Which topics repeat often in WAEC IRS?
Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hadith studies, and Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
Success in WAEC and GCE IRS exams comes from understanding Islamic teachings, history, and moral values, not just memorizing facts. Focus on tafsir, Hadith, and Fiqh, learn the Prophet’s biography well, and practice past questions consistently.
With commitment and proper preparation, scoring an A1 in IRS is very achievable.
