The JAMB Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027 outlines the key areas candidates must study for the UTME Islamic Studies examination. It defines the scope of examinable topics and helps candidates focus on relevant content without studying outside the approved framework.
Islamic Studies in JAMB covers the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic history, beliefs and practices, Shari’ah, moral teachings, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The UTME Islamic Studies syllabus 2026/2027 is structured to test candidates’ understanding of Islamic principles and their application to daily life.
Using the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus as a study guide allows candidates to prepare systematically, understand expected question patterns, and improve overall performance in the UTME.
Objectives of Islamic Studies Syllabus
The aim of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) syllabus in Islamic Studies is to prepare the candidates for the Board’s examination. It is designed to test their achievement of the course objectives, which are to:
- Master the Qur’ān and Sunnah as foundations of Islamic and social life
- Be familiar with Islamic heritage, culture and civilization
- Be acquainted with the tradition of Islamic scholarship and intellectual discourse
- Demonstrate knowledge of Islamic moral, spiritual, economic, political and social values
- Be exposed to the fundamental principles of Islam; and
- Be prepared to face the challenges of life as good practising Muslims
JAMB Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026
| S/N | TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES | JAMB EXPECTATIONS |
| 1 | PART 1: THE QUR’ĀN AND HADĪTH 1. Revelation of the Glorious Qur’ān (i) Visits of the Prophet (SAW) to Cave Hira (ii) His reaction to the first revelation and its importance (iii) Different modes of revelation (Q.42:51): inspiration behind the veil, through an angel, etc. (iv) Piecemeal revelation (Q.17:106) (Q.25:32) (v) Names and attributes of the Qur’ān 1b. Preservation of the Glorious Qur’ān (i) Recording, compilation and standardization of the Qur’ān (ii) Differences between Makkah and Madinan suwar (iii) The role played by the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) on the collection and compilation of the Qur’ān. 1c. Importance of the Glorious Qur’ān as a source of guidance in spiritual, moral, economic, political and socio-cultural matters. 1d. Divine authenticity of the Glorious Qur’ān (i) Proof of the Divine authenticity of the Glorious Qur’ān (Q.4:82) (Q.41:42) (ii) Uniqueness of the Glorious Qur’ān (Q.39:27) (Q.17:88) (Q.75:16-19) (iii) Divine preservation of the Glorious Qur’ān (Q.15:9) | Candidates should be able to: 1. analyse the Prophet’s (SAW) visits to Cave Hira and the purpose 2. describe the Prophet’s reaction to the first revelation and its importance 3. differentiate between the modes of revelation 4. explain why the Glorious Qur’ān was revealed piecemeal. 5. identify the names and attributes of Qur’ān |
| 2 | PART II: TAWHĪD AND FIQH (a) Faith (i) Tawhīd Its importance and lessons (b) Kalimatush-Shahadah (i) Its meaning and importance (ii) The Oneness of Allah as contained in the following verses: (Q.3:18) Q.2:255) (Q.112:1-4) (iii) The servanthood and messengership of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as contained in the following verses (Q.3:144) (Q.18:110) (Q.48:29) and (Q.34:28) (iv) Universality of his message (Q.7:158) (Q.34:28) (v) Finality of his Prophethood (Q.33:40) | Candidates should be able to: 1. analyse the concepts of Tawhīd 2. evaluate the significance of kalimatushshahadah 3. identify the verses dealing with the Oneness of Allah. 4. explain the significance of the servanthood of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) 5. evaluate the significance of the universality of Prophet Muhammad’s message 6. examine the significance of the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). |
Download Islamic Studies Syllabus 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QUES: What topics are covered in the JAMB Syllabus for Islamic Studies 2026/2027?
ANS: The syllabus covers the Qur’an, Hadith, Tawhid, Fiqh, Shari’ah, Islamic history, moral teachings, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
QUES: Is Qur’anic knowledge compulsory in UTME Islamic Studies?
ANS: Yes. Candidates are expected to understand selected Qur’anic chapters, themes, and interpretations as outlined in the syllabus.
QUES: Does JAMB Islamic Studies include Hadith?
ANS: Yes. Selected Hadith are included to test candidates’ understanding of Islamic teachings and morals.
QUES: Is Islamic history part of the syllabus?
ANS: Yes. Topics include early Islamic history, the spread of Islam, and important historical events.
QUES: Are questions asked on Islamic law in UTME?
ANS: Yes. Basic concepts of Shari’ah and Fiqh are included, focusing on ethics, worship, and social conduct.
QUES: Does the syllabus cover Islamic moral teachings?
ANS: Yes. Moral lessons such as honesty, patience, justice, and responsibility are core aspects of the syllabus.
QUES: Are Arabic verses tested in the exam?
ANS: Candidates are expected to understand meanings and themes, not advanced Arabic grammar.
QUES: Is memorization enough to pass Islamic Studies?
ANS: No. Understanding concepts and applying Islamic principles to questions is more important than rote memorization.
QUES: Are contemporary issues included in JAMB Islamic Studies?
ANS: Questions may relate Islamic teachings to modern life situations, focusing on moral and social responsibilities.
QUES: What is the best way to prepare for UTME Islamic Studies?
ANS: Candidates should study the syllabus carefully, understand Qur’anic themes, revise Hadith, read Islamic history, and practice past UTME questions.