JAMB Islamic Religious Studies 2023 past questions

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 15 October 2026

Ten questions from the 2023 JAMB Islamic Religious Studies paper, with answers and explanations. We hold 76 questions from this paper, and the Skolra app has all of them.

JAMB Islamic Religious Studies 2023 questions and answers

1. 1.

   A rak'ah in salat starts with

   1. A
      Tashahhud
   2. B
      Takbir
      Correct
   3. C
      Sujud
   4. D
      Ruku
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   Answer: B

   A rak'ah (unit of prayer) begins with the Takbir (saying 'Allahu Akbar' - Allah is Greatest), which marks the formal opening of the prayer and the transition from worldly consciousness to spiritual devotion.

2. 2.

   The last verse of Suratut-Tin describes Allah as the

   1. A
      Most Compassionate
   2. B
      Most Wise
   3. C
      Most Merciful
   4. D
      Most Just
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   The last verse of Surah at-Tin (Chapter 95) describes Allah as the 'Ahsan taqwim' (Best of Forms) and then closes affirming His justice, establishing that Allah is the arbiter of truth and justice for those who have faith.

3. 3.

   The number of Makkan soldiers that took part in the battle of Uhud was

   1. A
      3000 soldiers
      Correct
   2. B
      2000 soldiers
   3. C
      1500 soldiers
   4. D
      4000 soldiers
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   Answer: A

   The Battle of Uhud (625 CE) was fought between approximately 700 Muslim soldiers and 3000 Meccan soldiers. This numerical disadvantage, combined with the abandonment of the archer positions, contributed to the Muslim defeat.

4. 4.

   The state into which the pilgrim enters befire the time of Hajj is

   1. A
      Talbiyah
   2. B
      Sa'y
   3. C
      Tawaaf
   4. D
      Ihram
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   The state into which a pilgrim enters before the time of Hajj is called Ihram. This is a sacred state of sanctification involving special intentions, ritual purity, and specific restrictions, marking the formal beginning of Hajj or Umrah.

5. 5.

   Suratul Fatihah(Q.1:5) admonishes

   1. A
      To avoid worldly temptations
   2. B
      To follow the Prophet blindly
   3. C
      To seek knowledge continuously
   4. D
      To worship Allah alone without partners
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Surah al-Fatiha (1:5) states 'Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'in' (You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help), admonishing Muslims to worship only Allah and seek help only from Him, establishing the principle of Tawhid.

6. 6.

   The major teaching of Surah an-Nasr(Q. 110) is that

   1. A
      Muslims should cease striving
   2. B
      The Prophet's mission is complete
   3. C
      Judgment Day is near
   4. D
      Victory and support from Allah have come
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Surah an-Nasr (Chapter 110) celebrates the final victory of Islam and the opening of Mecca to the Muslims. Its major teaching emphasizes that when Allah's victory comes, it signifies the fulfillment of the divine promise and the success of the Prophet's mission.

7. 7.

   Suratud-Duha (Q.93) in the Quran has a total of 11 verses. Therefore, without the last verse, the remaining verses are 10.

   1. A
      Cannot be determined
   2. B
      True
   3. C
      Partially true
   4. D
      False
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Surah Ad-Duha (Chapter 93) contains 11 verses. Therefore, without the last verse, the remaining verses would be 10, not 10. This is a logical statement that is false as presented, since removing 1 from 11 gives 10.

8. 8.

   The following nullifies an Islamic marriage if it is not fulfilled except

   1. A
      Marriage contract
   2. B
      Payment of mahr (dower)
      Correct
   3. C
      Presence of witnesses
   4. D
      Ijab and Qabul (offer and acceptance)
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   Answer: B

   Essential requirements for valid Islamic marriage include ijab (offer), qabul (acceptance), mahr (dower to the bride), and witnesses. While mahr is important, the others listed are absolute necessities; mahr can be deferred in some circumstances.

9. 9.

   "La Taghdab" in Hadith 16 means

   1. A
      Do not become angry
      Correct
   2. B
      Do not be afraid
   3. C
      Do not be proud
   4. D
      Do not be sad
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   Answer: A

   'La Taghdab' in Hadith 16 of an-Nawawi literally means 'Do not become angry.' The Prophet is advising against anger as a destructive emotion, emphasizing that controlling one's anger is essential for spiritual growth and community harmony.

10. 10.

    How many times does the word al-Qadr occur in the Qur'an chapter 97?

    1. A
       Three times
    2. B
       Five times
       Correct
    3. C
       Seven times
    4. D
       Four times
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    Answer: B

    The word 'al-Qadr' (The Power/The Night of Power) appears exactly five times in Surah Al-Qadr (Chapter 97), emphasizing its importance in Islamic tradition. This surah celebrates the night when the Quran was first revealed.

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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