Islamic Studies is one of the most concept-driven subjects in the JAMB UTME. It tests not just memorisation, but understanding of the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic history, jurisprudence (Shariah), morals, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
To do well in JAMB Islamic Studies 2026/2027, candidates must rely on textbooks that explain Islamic concepts clearly and align with the senior secondary syllabus. This guide brings together the officially recommended JAMB textbooks for Islamic Studies, explains what each book covers, and shows how they help students score higher in UTME, WAEC, and NECO.
If you’re searching for JAMB Islamic Studies textbooks 2026, recommended books for Islamic Studies UTME, or best Islamic Studies books for JAMB, this guide is written exactly for that purpose.
Recommended Textbooks for JAMB UTME Islamic Studies 2026/2027
When it comes to JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies 2026/2027, it is not only subjected to JAMB Islamic Studies textbooks, here we have; Islamic Studies JAMB syllabus, best books for Islamic Studies UTME, Islamic Religious Knowledge JAMB, Qur’an and Tafsir books for JAMB, Islamic history textbooks, and Shariah books for UTME just as seen below:
| S/N | BOOK TITLE | AUTHOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Studies in Islam Series Book 3 | Abdul, M.O.A. (1976) | Covers advanced Islamic concepts including belief, worship, and ethics. Helps students understand core themes frequently tested in JAMB Islamic Studies. |
| 2 | Studies in Islam Series Book 2 | Abdul, M.O.A. (1982) | Focuses on foundational Islamic teachings, pillars of Islam, and moral values. Useful for objective and theory questions in UTME. |
| 3 | The Classical Caliphate | Abdul, M.O.A. (1988) | Explains the early Islamic political system and leadership after the Prophet (SAW). Helps students answer Islamic history questions accurately. |
| 4 | The Ink of the Scholar | Abdulrahman & Canham (n.d.) | Highlights the importance of knowledge and scholarship in Islam. Supports questions on Islamic education and intellectual tradition. |
| 5 | The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary | Ali, A.Y. (1975) | Provides Qur’anic text with detailed commentary. Essential for tafsir-related questions and understanding Qur’anic passages used in exams. |
| 6 | The Religion of Islam | Ali, M.M. (n.d.) | A comprehensive overview of Islamic beliefs, practices, and principles. Helps students connect different areas of the syllabus logically. |
| 7 | Shariah: The Islamic Law | Doi, A.R.I. (1997) | Explains Islamic legal principles, sources of Shariah, and applications. Very useful for questions on Islamic law and jurisprudence. |
| 8 | The Life of Muhammad (SAW) | Hay Lal, M. (1982) | A detailed biography of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Helps students answer questions on Seerah, character, and leadership of the Prophet. |
| 9 | Methodology of Primary Islamic Studies | Lemu, A. (1992) | Discusses methods of teaching and learning Islamic Studies. Supports understanding of instructional and moral development topics. |
| 10 | Islamic Studies for SSS Book 1 | Lemu, A. (1993) | Written specifically for senior secondary students. Covers beliefs, worship, morals, and history in line with the syllabus. |
| 11 | Islamic Studies for SSS (Books Series) | Lemu, A. (1993) | Continues syllabus coverage across multiple levels. Helps students build progressive understanding for UTME preparation. |
| 12 | al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an | Muhammad, S.Q. (2010) | Focuses on rules of Qur’anic recitation (Tajwid). Useful for pronunciation, recitation, and applied Qur’an questions. |
| 13 | A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’an | Opeloye, M.O. (1996) | Explains Qur’anic names, places, and historical references. Helps students interpret passages and contextual questions correctly. |
| 14 | Usool at-Tafseer | Philips, A.A.B. (1997) | Introduces principles of Qur’anic interpretation. Supports deeper understanding of tafsir-related exam questions. |
| 15 | Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience | Quadri, Y.A. et al. (1990) | Presents Islamic teachings in clear English. Useful for students who prefer English explanations of Arabic concepts. |
| 16 | Islamic History | Rahim, A. (1992) | Covers major events in Islamic civilisation. Helps with history-based UTME questions. |
| 17 | Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 1 | Sambo, M.B. et al. (1984) | Exam-oriented text aligned with secondary school curriculum. Useful for revision and practice. |
| 18 | Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 3 | Sambo, M.B. et al. (1984) | Advanced topics in Islamic Studies with examination focus. Supports final-stage UTME preparation. |
| 19 | A History of Islam in West Africa | Trimingham, J.S. (1993) | Explains the spread and development of Islam in West Africa. Important for regional Islamic history questions. |
Recommended Post: Recommended Textbooks for all JAMB Subjects 2026/2027
JAMB Islamic Studies questions often focus on Qur’an and Tafsir, Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Islamic beliefs and worship, Shariah and moral teachings, and Islamic history (global and West Africa).
That being so, the best combination you can have could be one Qur’an/Tafsir book, one Islamic history book, one Islamic law or belief text, and one SSS or exam-focused book to ensure full syllabus coverage without confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques: Are these books officially recommended for JAMB Islamic Studies?
Ans: Yes. They align with the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus and are also used for WAEC and NECO.
Ques: Do I need to read all 19 books?
Ans: No. Select books covering Qur’an, history, and exam practice for effective preparation.
Ques: Which book is best for Qur’an interpretation?
Ans: The Holy Qur’an: Translation and Commentary by A.Y. Ali and Usool at-Tafseer are highly recommended.
Ques: Is Islamic history important for JAMB?
Ans: Yes. Questions on the Caliphate and Islam in West Africa appear regularly.
Ques: Which book is best for Shariah?
Ans: Shariah: The Islamic Law by A.R.I. Doi explains it clearly.
Ques: Are SSS Islamic Studies books enough for UTME?
Ans: They are a good foundation, but adding exam-focused and reference books improves performance.
Ques: Does JAMB test Tajwid?
Ans: Yes, indirectly. Understanding Tajwid helps with Qur’anic usage and interpretation questions.
Ques: Can these books be used for WAEC and NECO?
Ans: Yes. Most are approved across WAEC, NECO, and UTME.
Ques: Should I study in Arabic or English?
Ans: Study in English for understanding, but be familiar with Arabic terms used in exams.