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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec Irs Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Highly Repeated Topics & Past Questions
Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) in WAEC is a subject that focuses on the core teachings, history, and moral lessons of Islam. Many students score high in IRS because the questions are predictable and mostly drawn from repeated topics such as the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Tauheed, the Qur’an, and Islamic history.
The key to scoring A1 in WAEC IRS is studying smart by focusing on topics WAEC loves to repeat every year.
What You’ll Learn:
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Most repeated WAEC IRS topics
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Sample past questions with answers
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Exam structure and grading system
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Tips to pass WAEC IRS with distinction
Most Repeated Topics in WAEC IRS (2025/2026)
| Topic | Why It Repeats |
|---|---|
| Tauheed (Oneness of Allah) | Core Islamic belief tested every year |
| Pillars of Islam and Iman | Repeated in both essay and objectives |
| Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Makkah | Historical foundation of Islam |
| Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Madinah | Leadership and expansion of Islam |
| The Revelation and Compilation of the Qur’an | Common in theory section |
| Hadith: Definition, Sources, Importance | Repeated yearly |
| The Family and Companions of the Prophet | WAEC loves asking about key Sahabas |
| Islamic Morals and Ethics | Appears in both essay and objective |
| Spread of Islam in West Africa | Compulsory topic for African Islamic history |
| Jihad: Types, Purpose, Misconceptions | Very frequently asked |
| Islamic Modes of Worship (Salah, Zakah, etc.) | Common in objective and short answer sections |
| Shari’ah (Islamic Law) | Always tested with real-life scenarios |
| Islamic Eschatology (Life after Death) | Appears in final section of theory |
WAEC IRS Sample Past Questions (with Answers)
1. Tauheed
Question: Explain the meaning of Tauheed and mention its types.
(WAEC 2023)
Answer:
Tauheed means the Oneness of Allah in His essence, attributes, and actions. The types are:
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Tauheed ar-Rububiyyah (Oneness in Lordship)
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Tauheed al-Asma was-Sifat (Oneness in Names and Attributes)
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Tauheed al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness in Worship)
2. Life of Prophet Muhammad in Makkah
Question: Highlight three challenges faced by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during his mission in Makkah.
(WAEC 2022)
Answer:
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Persecution by the Quraysh
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Boycott of the Muslims
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Torture of early followers like Bilal and Sumayyah
3. Hadith
Question: Define Hadith and state its sources.
(WAEC 2021)
Answer:
Hadith refers to the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Sources include:
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Sahih al-Bukhari
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Sahih Muslim
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Sunan Abu Dawud
4. Islamic Morality
Question: Mention four moral teachings of Islam.
(WAEC 2020)
Answer:
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Honesty
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Patience
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Respect for elders
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Justice
5. Spread of Islam in West Africa
Question: Discuss three ways through which Islam spread in West Africa.
(WAEC 2024)
Answer:
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Trade (Trans-Saharan routes)
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Islamic scholars and preachers
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Influence of Islamic rulers like Mansa Musa
WAEC IRS Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objectives (OBJ) | 50 multiple-choice questions on Islamic principles |
| Paper 2 | Essay/Theory | Answer 4 out of 6 structured questions |
IRS Grading System (WAEC)
| Grade | Score Range (%) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 75 – 100 | Excellent |
| B2 | 70 – 74 | Very Good |
| B3 | 65 – 69 | Good |
| C4 – C6 | 50 – 64 | Credit |
| D7 – E8 | 40 – 49 | Pass |
| F9 | Below 40 | Fail |
Quick Study Table: Differences in Key Islamic Concepts
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tauheed | Oneness of Allah |
| Shirk | Associating partners with Allah |
| Hadith | Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) |
| Sunnah | Practices of the Prophet |
| Shari’ah | Islamic legal system |
| Ijma’ | Consensus of scholars |
Smart Study Tips to Pass WAEC IRS (2025/2026)
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Study the Qur’an and Hadith regularly
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Practice past questions weekly — Many questions are repeated
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Group similar topics (e.g., Pillars of Islam & Iman)
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Write structured answers in essays — Intro, body, conclusion
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Use flashcards for Arabic terms and their meanings
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Take time to learn the biographies of the Prophet and his companions
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Understand Islamic terms and avoid guessing in objectives
WAEC IRS FAQs
Q: Is WAEC IRS difficult to pass?
No. It is one of the most straightforward and predictable subjects.
Q: Are Arabic translations required?
No. But knowing the Arabic terms (like Salah, Sawm, etc.) helps.
Q: Does WAEC repeat IRS questions?
Yes. IRS questions are regularly rephrased or repeated from past exams.
Q: How do I answer essay questions?
Use clear and well-structured points, and support them with references from the Qur’an or Hadith.
Final Thoughts
WAEC IRS rewards students who understand the principles of Islam and its history. Don’t just cram — understand the reasons behind Islamic laws, morals, and teachings. The key is consistency and practice with past questions.
Study the Qur’an, revise Prophet Muhammad’s life, and learn Islamic values. That’s your roadmap to success in WAEC IRS.
