WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Islamic Religion Studies 2017
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2017 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
Ready to test yourself? Take the full WAEC Islamic Religion Studies 2017 CBT quiz — timed, just like the real exam.
Start Quiz
1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) occurred in which cave?

A. Hira
B. Thawr
C. Uhud
D. Jabal
Explanation

The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) took place in the Cave of Hira during his seclusion for worship and reflection. It was here that Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to him and commanded 'Iqra' (Read), marking the beginning of the Qur'anic revelation in 610 CE.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Qur’anic chapter revealed entirely in Makkah is:

A. Surah Al-Baqarah
B. Surah Al-Fatiha
C. Surah Al-Ikhlas
D. Surah Al-Ma’idah
Explanation

Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) was revealed entirely in Makkah and emphasizes the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). Surah Al-Baqarah and Al-Ma’idah are Medinan, while Al-Fatiha, though Makki, is often distinguished; however, Al-Ikhlas is a classic example of a short, fully Makki surah.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Hijrah' refers to:

A. Pilgrimage to Makkah
B. Migration from Makkah to Madinah
C. Fasting in Ramadan
D. Battle of Badr
Explanation

Hijrah refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE to escape persecution. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (AH).

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The number of obligatory prayers in a day is:

A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Explanation

Islam prescribes five daily obligatory (Fard) prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. This is established in the Qur'an (e.g., Surah Al-Isra 17:78) and the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A.W.).

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The angel responsible for delivering revelations to the Prophet is:

A. Jibril
B. Mikail
C. Israfil
D. Azrail
Explanation

Angel Jibril (Gabriel) is the messenger angel who delivered the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) over 23 years. The other angels have roles like providing sustenance (Mikail), blowing the trumpet for Judgment Day (Israfil), and taking souls (Azrail).

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The first caliph of Islam was:

A. Umar
B. Uthman
C. Abu Bakr
D. Ali
Explanation

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq was elected as the first Caliph (successor) after the Prophet's death in 632 CE. He led the Muslim community for two years, unifying the Arabian Peninsula and compiling the Qur'an.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The battle of Badr took place in which year of Hijrah?

A. 1 AH
B. 2 AH
C. 3 AH
D. 4 AH
Explanation

The Battle of Badr, the first major battle between Muslims and Quraysh, occurred in 2 AH (624 CE). It was a decisive victory for Muslims, demonstrating divine support as mentioned in Surah Al-Anfal.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Qur’anic injunction for Zakat is found in Surah:

A. Al-Baqarah
B. At-Tawbah
C. Al-An’am
D. Al-Hadid
Explanation

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43, 2:110, 2:177) contains key injunctions on Zakat, emphasizing its obligation as a pillar of Islam for purifying wealth and helping the needy. Other surahs mention it, but Al-Baqarah is primary.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The mother of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was:

A. Khadijah
B. Aminah
C. Halimah
D. Fatima
Explanation

Aminah bint Wahb was the mother of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), who passed away when he was six years old. Khadijah was his wife, Halimah his foster mother, and Fatima his daughter.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Tafsir' refers to:

A. Islamic law
B. Qur’anic exegesis
C. Hadith collection
D. Prayer recitation
Explanation

Tafsir is the scholarly interpretation and explanation of the Qur'an to understand its meanings, contexts, and applications. It differs from Fiqh (law), Hadith (Prophet's sayings), and Tilawah (recitation).

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The month of fasting in Islam is:

A. Muharram
B. Rajab
C. Ramadan
D. Shawwal
Explanation

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as the fourth pillar of Islam, as commanded in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183-185).

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Prophet’s migration companion was:

A. Abu Bakr
B. Umar
C. Uthman
D. Ali
Explanation

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq accompanied Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) during the Hijrah, hiding in the Cave of Thawr. His loyalty earned him the title 'As-Siddiq' (the truthful).

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The number of verses in Surah Al-Fatiha is:

A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
Explanation

Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Qur'an, consists of 7 verses (ayat). It is recited in every unit of prayer and is known as Umm al-Kitab (Mother of the Book).

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The first mosque built by the Prophet was:

A. Masjid Al-Haram
B. Masjid Al-Nabawi
C. Masjid Al-Aqsa
D. Masjid Quba
Explanation

Masjid Quba was the first mosque built by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) upon arriving in Madinah during Hijrah. Building a mosque is considered a virtuous act in Islam (Hadith: Sahih Muslim).

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Sunnah' refers to:

A. The Qur’an
B. The Prophet’s traditions
C. Islamic laws
D. Prayer times
Explanation

Sunnah encompasses the sayings (Hadith), actions, approvals, and descriptions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), serving as a secondary source of Islamic guidance after the Qur'an.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The wife of the Prophet known for her knowledge was:

A. Aishah
B. Hafsa
C. Zaynab
D. Umm Salamah
Explanation

Aishah bint Abu Bakr was renowned for her vast knowledge of Hadith (over 2,000 narrations) and jurisprudence. She was a major scholar among the companions.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The battle of Uhud occurred in which year?

A. 2 AH
B. 3 AH
C. 4 AH
D. 5 AH
Explanation

The Battle of Uhud took place in 3 AH (625 CE) against the Quraysh. Muslims suffered losses due to archers leaving their post, teaching lessons on obedience (Qur'an 3:152).

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Qur’anic term for the Day of Judgement is:

A. Yawm Al-Qiyamah
B. Yawm Al-Jumu’ah
C. Yawm Al-Fitr
D. Yawm Al-Adha
Explanation

Yawm Al-Qiyamah (Day of Resurrection) refers to the Day of Judgment when all will be accountable for their deeds, as frequently mentioned in the Qur'an (e.g., Surah Al-Qiyamah).

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Prophet’s uncle who opposed him was:

A. Hamzah
B. Abu Talib
C. Abu Lahab
D. Abbas
Explanation

Abu Lahab, the Prophet's paternal uncle, vehemently opposed Islam and persecuted Muslims. He is condemned in Surah Al-Masad (111) for his enmity.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The number of gates to Paradise mentioned in the Qur’an is:

A. 5
B. 7
C. 8
D. 10
Explanation

The Qur'an (Surah Az-Zumar 39:73) mentions eight gates to Paradise, each named after righteous deeds like prayer, fasting, etc., symbolizing entry based on faith and actions.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The first muezzin in Islam was:

A. Bilal
B. Umar
C. Ali
D. Uthman
Explanation

Bilal ibn Rabah, an Abyssinian slave freed by Abu Bakr, was appointed the first muezzin (caller to prayer) by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) for his beautiful voice and strong faith.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Fiqh' refers to:

A. Islamic theology
B. Islamic jurisprudence
C. Qur’anic recitation
D. Hadith narration
Explanation

Fiqh is the understanding and application of Shari'ah (Islamic law) derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah, covering worship, transactions, family law, etc.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Prophet’s daughter who married Ali was:

A. Ruqayyah
B. Zaynab
C. Umm Kulthum
D. Fatima
Explanation

Fatima az-Zahra married Ali ibn Abi Talib, and their descendants include Hasan and Husayn, key figures in Islamic history.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Qur’anic chapter known as the 'Heart of the Qur’an' is:

A. Surah Yasin
B. Surah Al-Fatiha
C. Surah Al-Ikhlas
D. Surah Ar-Rahman
Explanation

Surah Yasin (36) is called the 'Heart of the Qur'an' in a Hadith (Tirmidhi): 'Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur'an is Yasin.' It discusses resurrection and faith.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The year of the Prophet’s death is:

A. 10 AH
B. 11 AH
C. 12 AH
D. 13 AH
Explanation

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) passed away in 11 AH (632 CE) in Madinah after a brief illness, at age 63, having completed his mission.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Tawaf' is associated with:

A. Prayer
B. Hajj
C. Zakat
D. Fasting
Explanation

Tawaf is the circumambulation of the Ka'bah seven times counterclockwise during Hajj or Umrah, symbolizing unity and devotion to Allah.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The first revelation consisted of verses from Surah:

A. Al-Alaq
B. Al-Fatiha
C. Al-Baqarah
D. Al-Muzzammil
Explanation

The first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5) were revealed: 'Read in the name of your Lord who created...' commanding the Prophet to recite.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Prophet’s foster mother was:

A. Aminah
B. Halimah
C. Khadijah
D. Sumayyah
Explanation

Halimah as-Sa'diyyah from the Banu Sa'd tribe nursed the Prophet for about two years in the desert, as per Arab custom for healthy upbringing.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The number of Rak’ahs in the Maghrib prayer is:

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Explanation

Maghrib prayer consists of 3 Rak'ahs: 2 Fard followed by 1 Fard, performed after sunset as one of the five daily prayers.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Shirk' refers to:

A. Associating partners with Allah
B. Prayer
C. Charity
D. Pilgrimage
Explanation

Shirk is the gravest sin in Islam, meaning polytheism or associating partners with Allah, unforgivable if unrepented (Qur'an 4:48).

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The battle of Khandaq took place in:

A. 4 AH
B. 5 AH
C. 6 AH
D. 7 AH
Explanation

The Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) occurred in 5 AH (627 CE), where Muslims dug a trench to defend Madinah against a confederate army, leading to their victory through strategy and faith.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Qur’anic term for charity beyond Zakat is:

A. Sadaqah
B. Waqf
C. Fidyah
D. Kaffarah
Explanation

Sadaqah refers to voluntary charity beyond obligatory Zakat, encouraged for expiating sins and gaining rewards (Qur'an 2:261-271). Waqf is endowment, Fidyah/Fidya for missed fasts, Kaffarah for major sins.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Prophet’s first wife was:

A. Aishah
B. Khadijah
C. Hafsa
D. Zaynab
Explanation

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the Prophet's first wife, marrying him at age 25 (she was 40). She was his only wife during his prophethood until her death.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The number of pillars of Islam is:

A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Explanation

The five pillars are: Shahadah (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage), foundational acts of worship in Islam.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Ihsan' refers to:

A. Excellence in worship
B. Prayer
C. Fasting
D. Pilgrimage
Explanation

Ihsan means worshiping Allah as if seeing Him, with utmost sincerity and perfection, as taught in the Hadith of Jibril (Sahih Muslim).

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The conquest of Makkah occurred in:

A. 6 AH
B. 7 AH
C. 8 AH
D. 9 AH
Explanation

The peaceful conquest of Makkah happened in 8 AH (630 CE) with minimal bloodshed, fulfilling the Prophet's amnesty and marking the spread of Islam.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Qur’anic chapter with the most verses is:

A. Surah Al-Baqarah
B. Surah Al-Imran
C. Surah An-Nisa
D. Surah Al-Ma’idah
Explanation

Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2) has 286 verses, the longest surah, covering laws, stories, and guidance for the Muslim community.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The Prophet’s companion known for his bravery was:

A. Hamzah
B. Abu Bakr
C. Umar
D. Uthman
Explanation

Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle, was called 'The Lion of Allah' for his unmatched bravery in battles like Badr and Uhud, where he was martyred.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The term 'Qadar' refers to:

A. Divine decree
B. Prayer
C. Charity
D. Fasting
Explanation

Qadar (or Qadr) is Allah's divine decree and predestination, one of the six articles of faith, affirming everything occurs by His will (Qur'an 54:49).

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2017

The first Islamic state was established in:

A. Makkah
B. Madinah
C. Taif
D. Yemen
Explanation

The first Islamic state was established in Madinah after Hijrah, governed by the Constitution of Madinah, which united Muslims, Jews, and others under Islamic principles.

Now practice in exam mode

You've studied the answers — now test yourself under real exam conditions with the timer running.

Start WAEC Islamic Religion Studies 2017 Quiz
Back to 2017 Start Page