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WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Past Questions

Real WAEC Islamic Religious Studies past questions, each with the correct answer and a worked solution. NECO candidates sit the same paper, so these apply there too. Below are 8 to work through free — no account needed.

8 WAEC Islamic Religious Studies questions with answers

Question 1

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) entered into the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with the Quraysh of Makkah in 6 AH. Though many companions were disappointed, the treaty is still remembered positively. Which principle of Islamic conduct did the Prophet demonstrate most clearly by accepting the seemingly unfair terms, and why?

  1. a.He demonstrated the importance of patience (Sabr), by enduring a situation that was unfavorable in the short-term, for long-term benefit.
  2. b.He demonstrated commitment to social justice ('Adl), by insisting on equal treatment for all, even when it was denied.
  3. c.He prioritized jihad (struggle), by preparing for immediate conflict when negotiations stalled.
  4. d.He showed the primacy of zakah (charity), by using resources to ransom prisoners.

Solution

The Prophet’s acceptance of the Hudaybiyyah terms shows the Islamic value of patience (sabr), favouring peaceful solutions for a greater good later. Choice B is tempting, but the Prophet did not insist on fairness at that moment, instead he compromised and exercised patience, showing wisdom in waiting for a better opportunity.

Question 2

During Ramadan, Musa accidentally ate a date before remembering he was fasting. He immediately stopped eating and continued his fast. According to Islamic teachings, which ruling best applies to Musa’s situation?

  1. a.His fast remains valid because the mistake was unintentional and he stopped as soon as he remembered.
  2. b.He must break his fast and make up for it later because any eating invalidates the fast.
  3. c.He must pay a fidya (compensation) along with making up the fast because he ate during fasting hours.
  4. d.His fast is invalidated and he must fast for sixty consecutive days as kaffarah (expiation).

Solution

The correct answer is that Musa's fast remains valid as the act was unintentional and he stopped immediately, as taught in hadith. The most tempting wrong option suggests he must make up for it because 'any eating invalidates the fast,' but Islamic law exempts those who genuinely forget and stop upon remembering.

Question 3

During the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companion Abu Bakr took refuge in the Cave of Thawr. Which main lesson does this event teach Muslims about responding to challenges in life?

  1. a.They should combine trust in Allah with taking practical steps for safety.
  2. b.They should abandon efforts and rely solely on prayer during troubles.
  3. c.They should confront danger directly without seeking any form of shelter.
  4. d.They should only seek help from their family members in difficult times.

Solution

The Prophet’s decision to hide in the cave shows the importance of using wisdom and practical measures along with reliance on Allah. The most tempting wrong option is relying solely on prayer, but the Prophet also acted prudently, combining faith with action.

Question 4

Khalid borrows money from his friend and promises to return it within two months. After a month, his friend demands the repayment, but Khalid claims he still has time according to their agreement. In Islamic ethics, which principle should guide their resolution of this disagreement?

  1. a.Both should adhere to the agreed time, as Islam emphasizes respect for contracts.
  2. b.Khalid must repay immediately, as Islam discourages delaying payment of debts.
  3. c.The friend can take whatever action to get his money, since it is his right.
  4. d.Khalid can ask for more time if he is unable to repay, as seeking ease is recommended.

Solution

Option 0 is correct because Islamic ethics stress the importance of fulfilling agreements and contracts (Aqd), so both parties must uphold the original timeframe. Option 1 is tempting but incorrect, because while Islam discourages delaying debt repayment, honoring the explicit agreement takes precedence unless both parties consent to any change.

Question 5

During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) agreed to certain terms with the Quraysh that appeared unfavourable to the Muslims. Which action by the Prophet best exemplifies his commitment to fulfilling agreements in Islam, despite objections from his followers?

  1. a.He refused to sign the treaty because it did not include the phrase 'Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem'.
  2. b.He accepted the Quraysh’s demand to return any Meccan Muslims who migrated to Madinah after the treaty.
  3. c.He stopped his companions from performing Hajj immediately, insisting on fighting for their right.
  4. d.He secretly allowed Muslim captives to escape from Makkah after the treaty was signed.

Solution

The Prophet agreed to return Meccan Muslims who migrated to Madinah as per the treaty, demonstrating his commitment to honoring agreements, a key Islamic principle, even when difficult for his followers. The first option is incorrect because, although he objected to the omission of the phrase, he ultimately accepted it for the sake of peace, not as an act of fulfilling the treaty obligations.

Question 6

During Hajj, Muslims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. What is the main reason for this practice?

  1. a.It commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son, Ismail.
  2. b.It marks the Prophet Muhammad’s farewell pilgrimage.
  3. c.It symbolizes the removing of sins and spiritual cleansing.
  4. d.It represents the unity among Muslims from different countries.

Solution

The main reason Muslims perform Sa’y between Safa and Marwah is to commemorate Hajar’s desperate search for water, showing faith in Allah’s provision. The most tempting wrong answer is option 3; while Hajj overall is spiritually purifying, the specific act of Sa’y does not symbolize the direct removal of sins, but rather Hajar’s perseverance and trust.

Question 7

During the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijrah) to Madinah, he made an agreement known as the Constitution of Madinah. This document established rules for coexistence among Muslims and various non-Muslim tribes. According to Islamic teachings and the Constitution itself, which practice best demonstrates the Islamic principle of justice ('adl) as shown in this agreement?

  1. a.Guaranteeing equal rights and security for all religious groups under the same laws
  2. b.Forbidding intermarriage between Muslims and non-Muslims living in Madinah
  3. c.Allowing Muslims to dominate community decision-making without consultation
  4. d.Ordering non-Muslim tribes to pay higher taxes for protection than Muslims

Solution

Guaranteeing equal rights and security for all aligns with the Islamic principle of justice by ensuring fairness regardless of religious background. The most tempting distractor, imposing higher taxes (jizya), was not emphasized in the Constitution of Madinah, which focused on fairness and mutual protection, not preferential treatment.

Question 8

Adebayo borrowed an item from his neighbour without informing him, believing he would return it quickly. According to Islamic teaching on honesty and trustworthiness (amanah), which of the following actions best reflects the proper application of amanah in this situation?

  1. a.He should immediately inform his neighbour, apologize, and return the item in its original condition.
  2. b.He should return the item secretly and hope the neighbour does not notice.
  3. c.He should donate the item to someone needier since the neighbour did not notice its absence.
  4. d.He should keep the item until the neighbour asks about it and then confess.

Solution

The correct answer is A because amanah requires honesty, openness, and returning what is entrusted without deceit. Option B is tempting but wrong; returning the item secretly still violates trust as it avoids taking responsibility for the action.

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Islamic Religious Studies in other exams

JAMB Islamic Religious StudiesPost-UTME Islamic Religious Studies
WAEC Islamic Religious Studies Past Questions · EasyPoint