WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration 2027/2028

See the WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration 2027/2028, including Tarikh, Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid, Fiqh, selected Surahs and important revision topics.

The WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 will help you organise your revision around the major topics contained in the Islamic Studies syllabus.

The syllabus is divided into four broad parts:

• Tarikh — Historical Development of Islam
• Qur’an
• Hadith
• Tawhid and Fiqh — Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence

You should prepare all four parts because questions can be drawn from across the syllabus.

READ: Access 2027 WAEC Questions and Answers in all Subjects – Free Study Guide

ALSO READ: WAEC Specimens 2027

The major areas you should concentrate on include:

• Arabia Before Islam
• Jahiliyyah
• Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
• Hijrah
• Formation of the Ummah
• Madinan Constitution
• Battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq
• Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
• Conquest of Makkah
• Farewell Pilgrimage
• Khulafā’ur-Rāshidīn
• Islam in West Africa
• Revelation of the Qur’an
• Preservation of the Qur’an
• Makki and Madani Suwar
• Selected Suwar
• Moral Lessons From the Qur’an
• Hadith and Sunnah
• Isnad, Matn and Rawi
• Classification of Hadith
• Sihahus-Sittah
• Selected Hadith From an-Nawawi
• Iman
• Articles of Faith
• Shirk
• Taharah
• Salat
• Sawm
• Zakat
• Hajj and ‘Umrah
• Shari‘ah
• Nikah
• Talaq

READ ALSO: WAEC Christian Religious Studies Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download

WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration at a Glance

The important topics to cover during your revision include:

1. Jahiliyyah
2. Location of Arabia
3. Social Life in Pre-Islamic Arabia
4. Religious Life in Pre-Islamic Arabia
5. Political Life in Pre-Islamic Arabia
6. Economic Life in Pre-Islamic Arabia
7. Reforms Introduced by Islam
8. Birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
9. Marriage of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
10. Call to Prophethood
11. Mission of the Prophet
12. Hijrah
13. Formation of the Ummah
14. Madinan Constitution
15. Leadership Qualities of the Prophet
16. Battle of Badr
17. Battle of Uhud
18. Battle of Khandaq
19. Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
20. Conquest of Makkah
21. Farewell Pilgrimage
22. Farewell Sermon
23. Death of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
24. Abu Bakr
25. Umar Ibn al-Khattab
26. Uthman Ibn Affan
27. Ali Ibn Abi Talib
28. Spread of Islam in West Africa
29. Traders and Islam
30. Teachers and Islam
31. Murābitun
32. Sufi Orders
33. Mujaddidun
34. Hajj and Spread of Islam
35. Impact of Islam in West Africa
36. Ancient Ghana
37. Mali
38. Songhai
39. Kanem-Borno
40. Revelation of the Qur’an
41. Cave Hira
42. First Revelation
43. Modes of Revelation
44. Piecemeal Revelation
45. Preservation of the Qur’an
46. Makki Suwar
47. Madani Suwar
48. Compilation of the Qur’an
49. Standardization of the Qur’an
50. Importance of the Qur’an
51. Suratul Fatihah
52. Suratud Duha
53. Suratut Tin
54. Suratul Alaq
55. Suratul Qadr
56. Suratul Kafirun
57. Suratun Nasr
58. Suratul Ikhlas
59. Suratul Falaq
60. Suratun Nas
61. Attitude to Parents
62. Honesty
63. Prohibition of Gambling
64. Meaning of Hadith
65. Meaning of Sunnah
66. Importance of Hadith and Sunnah
67. Isnad
68. Matn
69. Rawi
70. Authenticity of Hadith
71. Sahih
72. Hasan
73. Da‘if
74. Sihahus-Sittah
75. Selected Hadith From an-Nawawi
76. Iman
77. Articles of Faith
78. Belief in Allah
79. Belief in Angels
80. Belief in Revealed Books
81. Belief in Prophets
82. Day of Resurrection
83. Day of Judgement
84. Qada
85. Qadar
86. Shirk
87. Taharah
88. Istinja
89. Wudu
90. Tayammum
91. Ghusl
92. Salat
93. Congregational Prayer
94. Sujudus-Sahwi
95. Obligatory Salat
96. Nawafil
97. Jum‘ah
98. ‘Idayn
99. Janazah
100. Istisqa
101. Tarawih
102. Kusufayn
103. Istikhara
104. Salatus-Safar
105. Sawm
106. Ramadan
107. Compulsory Fast
108. Voluntary Fast
109. Kaffarah
110. Nadr
111. Sitta Shawwal
112. Ashura
113. Zakat
114. Sadaqah
115. Nisab
116. Zakat on Livestock
117. Zakat on Money
118. Zakat on Agricultural Produce
119. Beneficiaries of Zakat
120. Zakatul-Fitr
121. Hajj
122. ‘Umrah
123. Prerequisites of Hajj
124. Rites of Hajj
125. Ifrad
126. Tamattu
127. Qiran
128. Shari‘ah
129. Qur’an as a Source of Shari‘ah
130. Sunnah as a Source of Shari‘ah
131. Ijma
132. Qiyas
133. Nikah
134. Conditions for Valid Marriage
135. Rights of Husband and Wife
136. Duties of Husband and Wife
137. Talaq
138. Khul
139. Faskh
140. Mubara‘ah
141. Zihar
142. Li‘an
143. Iddatut-Talaq

These areas follow the four major parts of the Islamic Studies syllabus.

Tarikh Areas of Concentration

Tarikh deals mainly with the historical development of Islam.

The important areas are:

• Jahiliyyah
• Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
• Khulafā’ur-Rāshidīn
• Islam in West Africa

Jahiliyyah Arabia Before Islam

Study the condition of Arabia before Islam under:

• Location
• Social Life
• Religious Life
• Political Life
• Economic Life
• Reforms Introduced by Islam

Social Life in Pre-Islamic Arabia

Important areas include:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Inheritance

Understand the practices that existed before Islam and the changes Islam introduced.

Religious Life Before Islam

Study:

• Idol Worship
• Major Gods or Idols
• Religious Practices

You should understand the religious environment into which Islam emerged.

Political Life Before Islam

Prepare the system of government and political organisation of Arabia before Islam.

Economic Life Before Islam

Study the sources of livelihood and major economic activities of the people.

Reforms Introduced by Islam

You should be able to explain how Islam changed practices associated with the Jahiliyyah period.

Organise your revision as:

Practice Before Islam → Islamic Reform → Importance of the Reform

Life of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

Give strong attention to:

• Birth
• Marriage
• Call to Prophethood
• Mission
• Hijrah
• Madinan Community
• Madinan Constitution
• Leadership
• Battles
• Hudaybiyyah
• Conquest of Makkah
• Farewell Pilgrimage
• Death

Call to Prophethood

Study:

• Circumstances
• Beginning of the Mission
• Early Challenges
• Importance

Hijrah

Hijrah is one of the major historical topics.

Prepare:

• Causes
• Course
• Significance

Do not memorise only the journey. Make sure you can explain why the Hijrah was important to the development of Islam.

Formation of the Ummah

Understand how the Muslim community was organised after the Hijrah.

Madinan Constitution

Study:

• Background
• Main Purpose
• Importance
• Lessons

Leadership Qualities of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

Prepare examples showing qualities such as leadership, patience, justice and wisdom within the historical events covered in your course.

Battle of Badr

Study:

• Causes
• Course
• Outcome
• Effects
• Lessons

Battle of Uhud

Prepare:

• Causes
• Course
• Effects
• Lessons

Battle of Khandaq

Study:

• Causes
• Course
• Effects
• Lessons

The syllabus specifically requires the causes, courses and effects of the three major battles.

Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

Prepare:

• Terms
• Outcome
• Significance
• Lessons

Conquest of Makkah

Study:

• Background
• Major Events
• Outcome
• Lessons

Farewell Pilgrimage

Give attention to:

• Description of the Pilgrimage
• Farewell Sermon
• Lessons From the Sermon

Khulafā’ur-Rāshidīn

Study the four Rightly Guided Caliphs:

• Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Quhhafah
• Umar Ibn al-Khattab
• Uthman Ibn Affan
• Ali Ibn Abi Talib

For each Caliph, use:

Biography → Contributions → Challenges → Leadership → Lessons

Abu Bakr

Study his:

• Biography
• Leadership
• Contributions to Islam
• Lessons From His Life

Umar Ibn al-Khattab

Prepare:

• Biography
• Administrative Achievements
• Contributions
• Leadership Qualities
• Lessons

Uthman Ibn Affan

Study his biography and contributions to the Muslim community.

Ali Ibn Abi Talib

Prepare his:

• Biography
• Contributions
• Leadership
• Lessons

Islam in West Africa

The syllabus covers the spread and impact of Islam in West Africa.

Important agents of spread include:

• Traders
• Teachers
• Murābitun
• Sufi Orders
• Mujaddidun
• Hajj

Impact of Islam in West Africa

Study the impact of Islam on:

• Socio-Political Life
• Economic Life
• Linguistic Life

The syllabus refers particularly to ancient West African empires such as:

• Ghana
• Mali
• Songhai
• Kanem-Borno

Qur’an Areas of Concentration

The major Qur’an areas are:

• Revelation
• Preservation
• Importance
• Selected Suwar
• Moral Lessons

Revelation of the Qur’an

Study:

• Prophet’s Visits to Cave Hira
• First Revelation
• Reaction of the Prophet
• Different Modes of Revelation
• Piecemeal Revelation

Cave Hira

Understand the significance of Cave Hira in the beginning of revelation.

First Revelation

Study:

• Circumstances
• What Happened
• Prophet’s Reaction
• Importance

Modes of Revelation

Know the different modes through which revelation came as covered in the syllabus.

Piecemeal Revelation

Understand why the Qur’an was revealed gradually.

Preservation of the Qur’an

Important areas include:

• Arrangement of the Qur’an
• Makki and Madani Suwar
• Recording
• Compilation
• Standardization
• Roles of the Companions

Makki and Madani Suwar

Study the differences between:

• Makki Suwar
• Madani Suwar

and their characteristics.

Compilation of the Qur’an

Study:

• Reasons
• Process
• Important Personalities Involved
• Importance

Standardization of the Qur’an

Understand the purpose and process of standardizing the Qur’anic text.

Importance of the Qur’an

Prepare its importance as a source of guidance in:

• Spiritual Life
• Moral Life
• Social Life
• Political Life

Selected Suwar to Study

The syllabus includes the following:

1. Al-Fatihah — Qur’an 1
2. Ad-Duha — Qur’an 93
3. At-Tin — Qur’an 95
4. Al-‘Alaq — Qur’an 96:1–5
5. Al-Qadr — Qur’an 97
6. Al-Kafirun — Qur’an 109
7. An-Nasr — Qur’an 110
8. Al-Ikhlas — Qur’an 112
9. Al-Falaq — Qur’an 113
10. An-Nas — Qur’an 114

How to Study the Selected Suwar

For every Surah, prepare:

Arabic Text or Transliteration → Memorization → Meaning → Main Theme → Lessons → Application

Do not stop at memorisation.

You should be able to explain what the Surah teaches.

Suratul Fatihah

Study:

• Text or Transliteration
• Meaning
• Themes
• Lessons
• Application

Suratud Duha

Give attention to its meaning, message and lessons.

Suratut Tin

Study the Surah carefully and understand its major teachings.

Suratul Alaq

The prescribed portion is:

Qur’an 96:1–5

Prepare:

• Reading
• Memorization
• Meaning
• Lessons

Suratul Qadr

Study its meaning and teachings.

Suratul Kafirun

Prepare the Surah and the lessons contained in it.

Suratun Nasr

Study its meaning, message and application.

Suratul Ikhlas

Understand its teaching concerning Allah.

Suratul Falaq

Prepare its meaning and lessons.

Suratun Nas

Study its text or transliteration, meaning and lessons.

Moral Lessons From the Qur’an

The syllabus gives particular attention to:

• Attitude to Parents
• Honesty in Words and Deeds
• Prohibition of Gambling

Attitude to Parents

Study:

• Qur’an 17:23–24
• Qur’an 31:13–15

Prepare the teachings and their application to family life.

Honesty in Words and Deeds

The passages listed include:

• Qur’an 2:42
• Qur’an 61:2–3
• Qur’an 17:35

Study the lessons relating to truthfulness, honesty and fair dealing.

Prohibition of Gambling

Study:

• Qur’an 2:219
• Qur’an 5:90–91

Understand the Islamic teaching and reasons connected with the prohibition.

Hadith Areas of Concentration

Important areas include:

• Meaning of Hadith
• Meaning of Sunnah
• Differences and Similarities
• Importance
• Parts of Hadith
• Authenticity
• Classification
• Sihahus-Sittah
• Selected Hadith

Hadith and Sunnah

Study:

• Definition of Hadith
• Definition of Sunnah
• Similarities
• Differences
• Importance

Parts of Hadith

The syllabus specifically includes:

• Isnad
• Matn
• Rawi

Isnad

Know the meaning and function of the chain of narrators.

Matn

Understand the text or content of a Hadith.

Rawi

Study the meaning and role of the narrator.

Authenticity of Hadith

Understand the criteria used in determining whether a Hadith is acceptable.

Classification of Hadith

Study:

• Sahih
• Hasan
• Da‘if

Be able to distinguish among them.

Sihahus-Sittah

Study the Six Sound Collections of Hadith and their compilers.

Make sure you can correctly match:

Collection → Compiler

Selected Hadith From an-Nawawi

The syllabus specifies:

• Hadith 1
• Hadith 5
• Hadith 7
• Hadith 9
• Hadith 13
• Hadith 15
• Hadith 16
• Hadith 18
• Hadith 34
• Hadith 41

How to Study the Selected Hadith

For each Hadith, prepare:

Number → Text or Transliteration → Meaning → Main Teaching → Lessons → Application

Tawhid Areas of Concentration

Tawhid deals with Islamic belief.

Important areas include:

• Iman
• Articles of Faith
• Shirk

Iman

Study:

• Meaning
• Significance
• Articles of Faith

Articles of Faith

The syllabus includes belief in:

• Allah
• Angels
• Revealed Books
• Prophets
• Resurrection and Judgement
• Qada and Qadar

Belief in Allah

Study the meaning and importance of belief in Allah.

Give attention to Kalimatush-Shahadah within the material covered in the syllabus.

Belief in Angels

Know the Islamic teaching concerning angels.

Belief in Revealed Books

Study the concept of revelation and belief in Allah’s books.

Belief in Prophets

The syllabus gives particular attention to the Ulul-‘Azm prophets:

• Ibrahim
• Nuh
• Musa
• Isa
• Muhammad (S.A.W.)

Resurrection and Judgement

Study:

• Resurrection
• Judgement
• Eternal Life

Qada and Qadar

You should be able to:

• Define Qada
• Define Qadar
• Distinguish Between Them

Shirk

Study:

• Meaning
• Forms

Examples listed include:

• Idol Worship
• Ancestor Worship
• Hero Worship

Fiqh Areas of Concentration

The major Fiqh topics are:

• Taharah
• Salat
• Sawm
• Zakat
• Hajj and ‘Umrah
• Shari‘ah
• Nikah
• Talaq

Taharah

Study:

• Importance of Taharah
• Istinja
• Wudu
• Tayammum
• Ghusl

Istinja

Know:

• Meaning
• Purpose

Wudu

Prepare:

• Meaning
• Procedure
• Importance

and the rules taught in your course.

Tayammum

Study:

• Meaning
• Conditions
• Procedure

Ghusl

Understand its:

• Meaning
• Purpose
• Procedure

Salat

Salat is a broad syllabus area.

Study:

• Meaning
• Importance
• Acts That Vitiate Salat
• Congregational Salat
• Sujudus-Sahwi
• Obligatory Salat
• Non-Obligatory Salat
• Special Prayers
• Prayer During a Journey

Obligatory Salat

Know:

• Subh or Fajr
• Zuhr
• Asr
• Maghrib
• Isha

Congregational Salat

Study how congregational prayer is observed.

Sujudus-Sahwi

Understand the Prostration of Forgetfulness and the situations in which it applies.

Non-Obligatory Salat

The syllabus includes Nawafil associated with the obligatory prayers and examples such as:

• Duha
• Witr

Special Prayers

Prepare:

• Jum‘ah
• ‘Idayn
• Janazah
• Istisqa
• Tarawih
• Kusufayn
• Istikhara

Salatus-Safar

Study the rules concerning Salat during a journey.

Sawm

Important areas include:

• Meaning
• Types
• Ramadan
• Compulsory Fast
• Voluntary Fast
• Exemptions
• Things That Vitiate Fast
• Benefits

Compulsory Fasting

Examples include:

• Ramadan
• Kaffarah
• Nadr

Voluntary Fasting

Examples include:

• Sitta Shawwal
• Ashura
• Tasua
• Mondays
• Thursdays

Benefits of Sawm

Prepare:

• Spiritual Benefits
• Social Benefits
• Moral Benefits

Zakat

Study:

• Meaning
• Zakat and Sadaqah
• Nisab
• Articles on Which Zakat Is Paid
• Zakat on Livestock
• Zakat on Money
• Zakat on Agricultural Produce
• Beneficiaries
• Zakatul-Fitr
• Benefits

Zakat and Sadaqah

You should be able to distinguish between:

• Zakat
• Sadaqah

Nisab

Understand what Nisab means and why it is important.

Beneficiaries of Zakat

The syllabus refers to the beneficiaries contained in:

Qur’an 9:60

Study the categories carefully.

Benefits of Zakat

Prepare its:

• Spiritual Benefits
• Socio-Economic Benefits
• Moral Benefits

Hajj and Umrah

Study:

• Definition
• Origin
• Prerequisites
• Performance
• Validity
• Types of Hajj
• Rites
• Significance

Types of Hajj

The syllabus includes:

• Ifrad
• Tamattu
• Qiran

Know their differences.

Rites of Hajj

Study the rites in their proper sequence.

Significance of Hajj

Prepare its:

• Spiritual Significance
• Socio-Economic Significance
• Moral Significance

Shariah

Study:

• Meaning
• Sources
• Significance

The sources in the syllabus are:

• Qur’an
• Sunnah
• Ijma
• Qiyas

Qur’an as a Source of Shariah

Understand its position in Islamic law.

Sunnah as a Source of Shariah

Study how the Sunnah provides guidance in Islamic jurisprudence.

Ijma

Understand:

• Meaning
• Role

Qiyas

Study:

• Meaning
• Application

within the level required by the syllabus.

Nikah

Important areas are:

• Meaning of Nikah
• Prohibited Categories
• Conditions for Validity
• Rights of Husband and Wife
• Duties of Husband and Wife
• Prohibition of Ill-Treatment of the Wife

Conditions for a Valid Marriage

Prepare the conditions covered in your course and understand why each is important.

Rights and Duties of Spouses

Be able to discuss:

• Rights of the Husband
• Rights of the Wife
• Duties of the Husband
• Duties of the Wife

Talaq

Study:

• Islam’s Attitude to Divorce
• Types of Divorce
• Iddatut-Talaq

Types of Divorce

The syllabus includes:

• Talaq
• Khul
• Faskh
• Mubara‘ah
• Zihar
• Li‘an

Know the meanings and differences among the forms covered in the syllabus.

Iddatut-Talaq

Study:

• Meaning
• Duration
• Implications

Important Islamic Studies Comparisons to Practise

There are several related concepts that you should be able to distinguish clearly.

These include:

• Jahiliyyah Practices and Islamic Reforms
• Makki and Madani Suwar
• Hadith and Sunnah
• Isnad, Matn and Rawi
• Sahih, Hasan and Da‘if
• Qada and Qadar
• Wudu and Tayammum
• Obligatory and Voluntary Salat
• Obligatory and Voluntary Sawm
• Zakat and Sadaqah
• Hajj and ‘Umrah
• Ifrad, Tamattu and Qiran
• Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma and Qiyas
• Talaq, Khul and Faskh

Important Historical Topics to Study With Causes and Effects

Give particular attention to:

• Hijrah
• Battle of Badr
• Battle of Uhud
• Battle of Khandaq
• Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
• Conquest of Makkah

Use:

Causes → Course → Outcome → Effects → Lessons

Important Qur’an Portions to Revise Regularly

Do not wait until the final week to revise:

• Al-Fatihah
• Ad-Duha
• At-Tin
• Al-‘Alaq 1–5
• Al-Qadr
• Al-Kafirun
• An-Nasr
• Al-Ikhlas
• Al-Falaq
• An-Nas

Important Hadith Numbers to Revise Regularly

Give regular attention to:

• 1
• 5
• 7
• 9
• 13
• 15
• 16
• 18
• 34
• 41

Best Order to Study WAEC Islamic Studies

Stage 1 Jahiliyyah and the Prophet

Start with:

1. Arabia Before Islam
2. Jahiliyyah
3. Reforms Introduced by Islam
4. Birth of Prophet Muhammad
5. Call to Prophethood
6. Mission
7. Hijrah

Stage 2 Madinan Period

Study:

1. Formation of the Ummah
2. Madinan Constitution
3. Leadership Qualities
4. Badr
5. Uhud
6. Khandaq
7. Hudaybiyyah
8. Conquest of Makkah
9. Farewell Pilgrimage

Stage 3 Caliphs and West Africa

Study:

1. Abu Bakr
2. Umar
3. Uthman
4. Ali
5. Spread of Islam in West Africa
6. Impact of Islam in West Africa

Stage 4 Qur’an

Study:

1. Revelation
2. Preservation
3. Makki and Madani Suwar
4. Selected Suwar
5. Attitude to Parents
6. Honesty
7. Gambling

Stage 5 Hadith

Study:

1. Hadith
2. Sunnah
3. Isnad
4. Matn
5. Rawi
6. Classification
7. Sihahus-Sittah
8. Selected Hadith

Stage 6 Tawhid

Study:

1. Iman
2. Articles of Faith
3. Allah
4. Angels
5. Revealed Books
6. Prophets
7. Resurrection
8. Qada and Qadar
9. Shirk

Stage 7 Fiqh

Finish with:

1. Taharah
2. Salat
3. Sawm
4. Zakat
5. Hajj and ‘Umrah
6. Shari‘ah
7. Nikah
8. Talaq

Continue revising the selected Qur’an portions and Hadith throughout all seven stages.

How to Use These WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration

Use the Complete Syllabus as Your Main Checklist

These areas are meant to help organise your preparation, not replace the full syllabus.

READ ALSO: WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download

Study Tarikh With a Fixed Pattern

For important events, use:

Background → Causes → Course → Outcome → Significance → Lessons

Study the Caliphs With a Fixed Pattern

Use:

Biography → Contributions → Leadership → Challenges → Lessons

Study Qur’an With Meaning

For every prescribed Surah or passage:

Text/Transliteration → Meaning → Theme → Lessons → Application

Study Hadith the Same Way

Use:

Hadith Number → Text/Transliteration → Meaning → Main Teaching → Lessons → Application

Practise Essay Questions

Paper 2 requires you to explain and discuss topics, so practise questions involving words such as:

• Explain
• Describe
• Discuss
• State
• Compare
• Distinguish
• Give Reasons
• State Lessons
• Examine Significance

Do Not Memorise Without Understanding

Memorisation is useful for Qur’an and Hadith, but you should also know:

• Meaning
• Explanation
• Lessons
• Application

The syllabus is designed to assess the practical application of Islamic teachings in daily life.

What Should You Concentrate on Most for WAEC Islamic Studies

You should cover the complete syllabus, but make sure you are particularly confident in:

• Jahiliyyah
• Reforms Introduced by Islam
• Life of Prophet Muhammad
• Hijrah
• Madinan Constitution
• Badr
• Uhud
• Khandaq
• Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
• Conquest of Makkah
• Farewell Pilgrimage
• Khulafā’ur-Rāshidīn
• Islam in West Africa
• Revelation of the Qur’an
• Preservation of the Qur’an
• Selected Suwar
• Qur’anic Moral Teachings
• Hadith and Sunnah
• Parts of Hadith
• Classification of Hadith
• Selected Hadith
• Articles of Faith
• Qada and Qadar
• Shirk
• Taharah
• Salat
• Sawm
• Zakat
• Hajj
• Sources of Shari‘ah
• Nikah
• Talaq

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration for 2027

The major areas are Tarikh, Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid and Fiqh.

What Should I Focus on Most for WAEC Islamic Studies

Give strong attention to the life of Prophet Muhammad, Hijrah, major battles, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, Qur’an, selected Surahs, Hadith, Articles of Faith and the major Fiqh topics.

Is Jahiliyyah Included

Yes.

Study the social, religious, political and economic life of Arabia before Islam and the reforms introduced by Islam.

Is Hijrah Important

Yes.

You should study:

• Causes
• Course
• Significance

Are the Battles of Badr Uhud and Khandaq Included

Yes.

Study their causes, courses and effects.

Is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah Included

Yes.

Prepare its terms and outcome.

Is the Conquest of Makkah Included

Yes.

Study the major events and lessons.

Are the Rightly Guided Caliphs Included

Yes.

Prepare:

• Abu Bakr
• Umar
• Uthman
• Ali

Is Islam in West Africa Included

Yes.

Study its spread and impact, particularly in relation to ancient West African empires.

Is the Revelation of the Qur’an Included

Yes.

Study Cave Hira, the first revelation, modes of revelation and piecemeal revelation.

Is Preservation of the Qur’an Included

Yes.

Study recording, compilation, standardization and the contributions of the Companions.

What Surahs Should I Study

The syllabus includes:

• Al-Fatihah
• Ad-Duha
• At-Tin
• Al-‘Alaq 1–5
• Al-Qadr
• Al-Kafirun
• An-Nasr
• Al-Ikhlas
• Al-Falaq
• An-Nas

What Qur’anic Moral Topics Should I Study

Give attention to:

• Attitude to Parents
• Honesty in Words and Deeds
• Prohibition of Gambling

Is Hadith Included

Yes.

Study Hadith, Sunnah, Isnad, Matn, Rawi, authenticity and classification.

What Hadith Classifications Should I Know

Study:

• Sahih
• Hasan
• Da‘if

Which an-Nawawi Hadith Should I Study

Prepare Hadith:

• 1
• 5
• 7
• 9
• 13
• 15
• 16
• 18
• 34
• 41

Are the Articles of Faith Included

Yes.

Study belief in:

• Allah
• Angels
• Books
• Prophets
• Resurrection and Judgement
• Qada and Qadar

Is Shirk Included

Yes.

Study its meaning and the forms listed in the syllabus.

Is Taharah Included

Yes.

Prepare:

• Istinja
• Wudu
• Tayammum
• Ghusl

Is Salat Included

Yes.

Study obligatory, non-obligatory, congregational and special prayers.

What Special Prayers Should I Study

The syllabus includes:

• Jum‘ah
• ‘Idayn
• Janazah
• Istisqa
• Tarawih
• Kusufayn
• Istikhara

Is Sawm Included

Yes.

Study compulsory and voluntary fasting, exemptions, things that invalidate fasting and its benefits.

Is Zakat Included

Yes.

Study Nisab, Zakat on livestock, money and agricultural produce, beneficiaries and Zakatul-Fitr.

Is Hajj Included

Yes.

Study Hajj and ‘Umrah, prerequisites, rites, validity, types and significance.

What Types of Hajj Should I Study

Prepare:

• Ifrad
• Tamattu
• Qiran

What Are the Sources of Shariah

The syllabus lists:

• Qur’an
• Sunnah
• Ijma
• Qiyas

Is Nikah Included

Yes.

Study its meaning, prohibited categories, conditions of validity and the rights and duties of spouses.

Is Talaq Included

Yes.

Study:

• Talaq
• Khul
• Faskh
• Mubara‘ah
• Zihar
• Li‘an
• Iddatut-Talaq

Where Can I Download the Complete Islamic Studies Syllabus

Use the WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download page.

Where Can I Find Areas of Concentration for Other WAEC Subjects

Use the WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects page.

Conclusion

The WAEC Islamic Studies Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 cover four major parts of the syllabus: Tarikh, Qur’an, Hadith, and Tawhid and Fiqh.

For Tarikh, give strong attention to Jahiliyyah, the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), Hijrah, the Madinan Constitution, major battles, Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Conquest of Makkah, Farewell Pilgrimage, the Rightly Guided Caliphs and Islam in West Africa.

For the Qur’an, prepare revelation, preservation, Makki and Madani Suwar, the selected Suwar and moral teachings on parents, honesty and gambling.

For Hadith, understand Hadith and Sunnah, Isnad, Matn, Rawi, classification, the Six Sound Collections and the selected Hadith from an-Nawawi.

For Tawhid and Fiqh, prepare Iman, Articles of Faith, Shirk, Taharah, Salat, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj, Shari‘ah, Nikah and Talaq.

Do not rely only on memorisation. You should understand the meaning, significance, lessons and practical application of what you study.

Use the full syllabus as your main checklist and combine it with regular Qur’an and Hadith revision, your Islamic Studies textbooks and WAEC past questions.

READ ALSO: WAEC Islamic Studies Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download

READ ALSO: WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects

READ ALSO: WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects

READ ALSO: WAEC Timetable 2027