WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027: Complete Guide for students and teachers planning for the 2026 waec examination
The WAEC syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027 is an official guide that outlines the topics, learning objectives, and skills candidates are expected to master for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Islamic Studies is an important subject that evaluates students’ understanding of Islamic teachings, beliefs, history, ethics, and moral values as contained in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
An overview of topics covered in the WAEC Islamic Studies syllabus for the 2026/2027 examination session
This comprehensive guide explains the WAEC Islamic Studies syllabus, examination structure, key content areas, and practical study tips to help candidates prepare effectively and perform excellently in the examination.
Overview of WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies in WAEC is designed to:
Promote sound moral and spiritual values
Encourage understanding of Islamic principles
Develop candidates’ ability to apply Islamic teachings to daily life
The syllabus focuses on beliefs (Aqidah), worship (Ibadah), ethics (Akhlaq), Islamic history, Qur’anic studies, and Hadith.
Aims and Objectives of the WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus
The WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies aims to enable candidates to:
Understand the basic principles of Islam
Demonstrate knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith
Apply Islamic moral teachings to daily life
Appreciate the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Understand the historical development of Islam
Structure of the WAEC Islamic Studies Examination
The WAEC Islamic Studies examination is divided into three papers, each testing different aspects of knowledge and understanding.
Paper 1: Objective Test
Multiple-choice questions
Covers all areas of the syllabus
Tests understanding, recall, and interpretation
Paper 2: Essay Questions
Candidates answer structured and essay questions
Focuses on explanation, analysis, and application
Paper 3: Qur’an and Hadith (Optional in some cases)
Tests knowledge of selected Qur’anic verses and Hadith
Understanding and explanation, not mere memorization
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WAEC Syllabus for English Language
Detailed WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027
1. The Qur’an
This section tests candidates on:
Revelation of the Qur’an
Compilation and preservation
Selected Qur’anic passages
Lessons and teachings from the verses
Candidates should understand meanings, themes, and practical applications.
2. Hadith of the Prophet (SAW)
Topics include:
Meaning and importance of Hadith
Compilation of Hadith
Selected Hadith texts
Moral and social lessons
The emphasis is on understanding the message behind each Hadith.
3. Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
This section covers:
Meaning of Tawhid
Attributes of Allah
Belief in Allah as the Creator and Sustainer
Acts that contradict Islamic belief
Candidates must demonstrate clear understanding of Islamic monotheism.
4. Pillars of Islam (Ibadah)
Topics include:
Shahadah (profession of faith)
Salat (prayer)
Zakat (charity)
Saum (fasting)
Hajj (pilgrimage)
Understanding the importance, conditions, and benefits of each pillar is essential.
5. Islamic Ethics and Morality (Akhlaq)
This section focuses on:
Good character in Islam
Honesty, patience, humility, and kindness
Respect for parents and elders
Social responsibility
Candidates are expected to apply Islamic values to real-life situations.
6. Islamic Law (Shariah)
Key areas include:
Meaning and sources of Shariah
Importance of Islamic law
Lawful (Halal) and unlawful (Haram) acts
Justice and fairness in Islam
7. Life and Mission of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Topics covered:
Birth and early life
Prophethood and early preaching
Migration (Hijrah)
Major events in Madinah
Character and leadership qualities
8. Early Caliphate and Islamic History
This section examines:
The four rightly guided Caliphs
Contributions to Islam
Expansion and administration
Lessons from Islamic history
9. Islam and Society
Candidates will learn about:
Marriage and family life in Islam
Rights and responsibilities
Education and knowledge in Islam
Peace, tolerance, and coexistence
Recommended Study Tips for WAEC Islamic Studies
Study the Syllabus Carefully – Focus only on listed topics
Understand, Don’t Memorize Blindly – Especially Qur’an and Hadith
Use Simple Explanations – WAEC values clarity
Practice Past Questions – Identify common themes
Apply Teachings to Daily Life – Helps in essay answers
Revise Regularly – Short, consistent study sessions work best
Importance of the WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies
The syllabus:
Guides students on what to study
Helps teachers plan lessons effectively
Prevents unnecessary reading
Improves examination performance
Candidates who study strictly according to the syllabus often perform better.
Download the PDF for WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027
Why Download the WAEC syllabus for Islamic Studies?
- To understand the exam format and content
- To prepare effectively for the exam
- To get familiar with the marking scheme and grading system
Click below 👇 to View and download PDF
WAEC SYLLABUS FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES PDF (DOWNLOAD)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027
1. What is the WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies for 2026/2027?
The WAEC Islamic Studies syllabus for 2026/2027 is the official guide that outlines the topics, objectives, and skills candidates must study for the Islamic Studies examination in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
2. Has the WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies changed for 2026/2027?
The core structure of the syllabus remains largely the same, but candidates are advised to always study the most recent syllabus to be aware of any updates or emphasis changes.
3. What are the main topics in the WAEC Syllabus for Islamic Studies ?
Key areas include the Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid, Pillars of Islam, Islamic ethics, Shariah, life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), early Islamic history, and Islam’s role in society.
4. How many papers are written for WAEC Islamic Studies?
WAEC Islamic Studies usually consists of multiple papers, including objective questions and essay questions that test understanding, explanation, and application of Islamic teachings.
5. Is memorization of Qur’anic verses compulsory in WAEC Islamic Studies?
Understanding the meaning, lessons, and application of Qur’anic verses is more important than memorization alone, although familiarity with selected verses is required.
6. Is Arabic language knowledge required for WAEC Islamic Studies?
No. The examination is written in English, but candidates should understand basic Arabic terms commonly used in Islamic Studies.
7. Does WAEC repeat questions in Islamic Studies exams?
While exact questions are rarely repeated, similar topics and themes may appear across different examination years.
8. How can I prepare effectively for WAEC Islamic Studies?
Study the syllabus carefully, understand concepts instead of memorizing blindly, practice past questions, revise regularly, and apply Islamic teachings to real-life examples in your answers.
9. Is Islamic Studies compulsory in WAEC?
Islamic Studies is not compulsory for all candidates. It is taken by students who choose it as one of their examination subjects.
Conclusion
The WAEC syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027 is designed to test candidates’ understanding of Islamic beliefs, practices, history, and moral teachings. With proper preparation, regular revision, and adherence to the syllabus, candidates can excel in the examination.
Students are encouraged to study early, understand key concepts, and apply Islamic teachings practically in their answers.
