JAMB IRS (Islamic Religious Studies) past questions and answers

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 23 October 2026

JAMB Islamic Religious Studies: 279 past questions from 4 papers between 2022 and 2025, each with the answer and an explanation. In the UTME you answer 40 Islamic Religious Studies questions, with Use of English and two other subjects, in 2 hours. Here are ten.

1. 1.

   What does the term "Huda" in the Qur'an mean?

   1. A
      Mercy
   2. B
      Guidance
      Correct
   3. C
      Light
   4. D
      Wisdom
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   Answer: B

   Huda (هدى) is the Arabic term meaning "guidance". The Qur'an describes itself with this word in several places, most notably in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2): "This is the Book, in it is guidance (huda) for those who are conscious of Allah."

   Huda refers specifically to the Qur'an's role in showing mankind the right path in belief and conduct — it is a guide, not merely information.

2. 2.

   The capital of an ancient Ghana empire was

   1. A
      Timbuktu
   2. B
      Kumbi Saleh
      Correct
   3. C
      Gao
   4. D
      Djenne
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   Answer: B

   The capital of the ancient Ghana empire was Kumbi Saleh (also written as Kumbi), located in present-day Mauritania. It was a major trading center that flourished between the 8th and 11th centuries before the empire's decline.

3. 3.

   Khalaqal insana min alaq(Q. 96:2) is followed by

   1. A
      Alladhee allama bil qalam
      Correct
   2. B
      Allama bil qalam
   3. C
      Akrama rabbuka alladhee khalaq
   4. D
      Iqra wa rabbuka al-akram
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   Answer: A

   The verse 'He created man from a clot' (Q. 96:2) is immediately followed by 'He who taught by the pen' (Q. 96:4). The intervening verse mentions 'Read in the name of your Lord Who created' emphasizing the connection between creation and knowledge. The sequence emphasizes that after creating humanity, Allah's next step was to teach them knowledge through the medium of writing and the pen. This progression shows the fundamental importance of knowledge in the Islamic worldview.

4. 4.

   Maliki yawmid-Din is translated as

   1. A
      Master of the Day of Judgment
      Correct
   2. B
      King of the Day of Judgment
   3. C
      Judge of Resurrection Day
   4. D
      Ruler of the Last Hour
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   Answer: A

   Maliki yawmid-Din is translated as 'Master of the Day of Judgment' or 'Owner of the Day of Judgment', referring to Allah's absolute sovereignty and authority on the final day, as stated in Surah al-Fatiha (1:4).

5. 5.

   The following are voluntary fasting except

   1. A
      Fasting during Ramadan
   2. B
      Fasting on Eid days
      Correct
   3. C
      Fasting in Muharram
   4. D
      Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
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   Answer: B

   Voluntary fasting is encouraged on various days, including Mondays and Thursdays, the 13th-15th of lunar months, and during Muharram. However, fasting on Eid days (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) is forbidden and not a form of voluntary fasting.

6. 6.

   Which Prophet could understand the language of the birds?

   1. A
      Prophet Sulaiman (AS)
      Correct
   2. B
      Prophet Dawud (AS)
   3. C
      Prophet Yunus (AS)
   4. D
      Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
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   Answer: A

   Prophet Sulaiman (AS) is the correct answer. Allah granted him a special gift: understanding the language of birds and other creatures, alongside his kingdom and control over the wind and jinn.

7. 7.

   Lawhul-Mahfudh is associated with Quranic

   1. A
      recitation
   2. B
      preservation
      Correct
   3. C
      interpretation
   4. D
      translation
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   Answer: B

   Lawhul-Mahfudh (the Preserved Tablet) is associated with the preservation of the Qur'an. According to Islamic belief, the Qur'an exists in its complete and unchanged form on the Preserved Tablet in the heavens. This concept emphasizes divine protection of the Qur'an's authenticity and integrity. The mention of Lawhul-Mahfudh in Islamic texts refers to Allah's absolute preservation of the Qur'an from any alteration, a belief supported by the historical preservation of the text.

8. 8.

   The father of Prophet Yahya was

   1. A
      Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
   2. B
      Prophet Zakariya (AS)
      Correct
   3. C
      Prophet Ayyub (AS)
   4. D
      Prophet Imran (AS)
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   Answer: B

   Prophet Zakariya (AS) is correct. The Qur'an tells us that Zakariya was old and his wife was barren, yet he prayed sincerely to Allah for a righteous child to succeed him. Allah answered his prayer and gave him Yahya as a son, a matter narrated in Surah Maryam and Surah Aal-Imran.

9. 9.

   Makkan Surah with the main objective of reassuring the Prophet(SAW) at a time of distress is

   1. A
      Surah Al-Kafirun
   2. B
      Surah Adh-Dhuha
      Correct
   3. C
      Surah At-Tin
   4. D
      Surah Al-Ikhlas
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   Answer: B

   Surah Ad-Duha (The Morning Brightness) was revealed to reassure Prophet Muhammad during a period when revelation seemed to have ceased, causing him distress and concern. The surah begins by assuring the Prophet that Allah had not abandoned him and would soon grant him provisions and satisfaction. It emphasizes Allah's favor upon the Prophet and His promise of continuous blessings. This chapter is specifically contextualized as consolation during a difficult period in the Prophet's mission.

10. 10.

    The following are lessons of Hadith 5 of an-Nawawi except

    1. A
       Ritual prayer and fasting
    2. B
       Social justice and mercy
    3. C
       Belief in Allah and His oneness
       Correct
    4. D
       Scholarly knowledge
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    Answer: C

    Hadith 5 of an-Nawawi centers on the principle that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. A lesson not typically included in this hadith is the formal requirement of belief in Allah and His oneness, though that is presumed.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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