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WAEC Islamic Religion Studies 2022
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2022 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The major teaching of Hadith 5 of an-Nawawi centres on

A. intention
B. faith
C. innovation
D. worship
Explanation

Hadith 5 of Imam an-Nawawi's collection states: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: He who innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected.' This emphasizes the rejection of innovations (bid'ah) in religion, ensuring adherence to the Sunnah and Quran.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

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

A. Ihram
B. Talbiyyah
C. Sa’y
D. Tawaf
Explanation

Ihram is the sacred state of ritual purity and consecration that a pilgrim enters upon assuming the intention for Hajj or Umrah, involving specific dress and abstention from certain actions to focus on worship.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

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

A. man must strive to succeed in life
B. death is inevitable
C. Islam has a bright future
D. after difficulty comes ease
Explanation

Surah an-Nasr (The Divine Support) prophesies the victory of Islam and the spread of the faith, indicating its triumphant future as people enter the religion in multitudes, signaling the completion of the Prophet's mission.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The goddesses of the Jahiliyyah Arabs exclude

A. al-Lat
B. al-Manat
C. al-‘Uzzah
D. as-Samad
Explanation

Al-Lat, al-Manat, and al-Uzzah were idols worshipped by pre-Islamic Arabs as goddesses, mentioned in Surah an-Najm (53:19-20). As-Samad is an attribute of Allah meaning 'The Eternal, The Absolute,' not a goddess.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

A Muslim is only permitted to marry his

A. foster mother
B. late father's wife
C. foster sister
D. late wife’s sister
Explanation

Islamic law prohibits marriage to foster mothers, stepmothers (late father's wife), and foster sisters due to milk kinship. However, marriage to the sister of a deceased wife is permitted after the iddah period, as the prohibition ends with the wife's death.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The Surah which begins with four oaths is

A. ad-Duha
B. Alaq
C. al-Kafirun
D. at-Tin
Explanation

Surah at-Tin (95) opens with four oaths: 'By the fig and the olive, by Mount Sinai, and by this secure city [Makkah],' emphasizing Allah's creation and the ultimate return to Him for judgment.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The Prophet lost his wife Khadijah in the year

A. 610 C.E.
B. 616 C.E.
C. 617 C.E.
D. 619 C.E.
Explanation

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the Prophet's first wife and supporter, passed away in 619 CE during the 'Year of Sorrow,' shortly after the death of Abu Talib, leaving the Prophet in deep grief.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Who among the following played a major role in the transmission of Hadith?

A. Fatimah
B. ‘A’ishah
C. Khadijah
D. Hafsah
Explanation

Aishah bint Abi Bakr, the Prophet's wife, narrated over 2,000 hadiths, covering jurisprudence, manners, and theology, making her one of the greatest transmitters due to her proximity to the Prophet and scholarly insight.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The supererogatory prayer with a single rak‘ah is Salatul

A. Jama‘ah
B. Safar
C. Kusuf
D. Witr
Explanation

Salat al-Witr is an odd-numbered supererogatory prayer performed after Isha, often consisting of a single rak'ah, closing the night's prayers and seeking protection through specific supplications.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

A Juz’ of the Qur’an is sub-divided into the following except

A. Rub’
B. Nisf
C. Hizb
D. Manzil
Explanation

A Juz' (one-thirtieth of the Quran) is divided into two Hizb (parts), each Hizb into four Rub' (quarters), and further into Nisf (halves), but Manzil refers to the 30 daily recitation portions, not a subdivision.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The reign of Caliph ‘Uthman b. ‘Affan is known for

A. Hadith collection
B. tax collection
C. standardization of the Qur’an
D. justice and administrative fairness
Explanation

During Uthman's caliphate (644-656 CE), he commissioned the standardization of the Quran into a single mushaf to prevent variations in recitation, compiling it from various dialects and distributing copies to major cities.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Imam Bukhari died in 870 C.E. as Imam Muslim is to

A. 875 C.E.
B. 886 C.E.
C. 888 C.E.
D. 892 C.E.
Explanation

Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj died in 875 CE (261 AH), five years after Imam Bukhari (256 AH/870 CE), both renowned for their authentic hadith collections: Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The number of rak‘ah in the obligatory prayers of Friday is

A. 2
B. 15
C. 17
D. 18
Explanation

Salat al-Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer) consists of two rak'ah performed in congregation after the khutbah (sermon), replacing the full Zuhr prayer, emphasizing community and remembrance of Allah.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

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

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

The word 'al-Qadr' appears three times in Surah al-Qadr: in verses 1 ('laylati l-qadr'), 2 ('laylatu l-qadr'), and 3 ('laylatu l-qadr'), highlighting the night's significance.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Halimah, the wet nurse of Muhammad (S.A.W) hailed from the Banu

A. Mustaliq
B. Khuza‘ah
C. Sa‘d
D. Quraysh
Explanation

Halimah bint Abi Dhu'ayb from Banu Sa'd ibn Bakr nursed the infant Prophet in the desert for two years, as per Arab custom, before returning him to Amina in Makkah.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The Tahajjud is observed between

A. Maghrib and Isha’i
B. Shaf‘ and Witr
C. Zuhr and Asr
D. Isha’i and Fajr
Explanation

Salat al-Tahajjud is the night prayer performed after sleeping following Isha and before Fajr, consisting of odd rak'ah, praised in the Quran (17:79) for drawing closer to Allah.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Without the last verse of Suratul-Duha (Q.93), the remaining verses are

A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
D. 11
Explanation

Surah ad-Duha has 11 verses total; excluding the last (verse 11: 'But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it]'), leaves 10 verses consoling the Prophet of Allah's support.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Suratul-Fatihah (Q. 1:5) admonishes Muslims to

A. give thanks and praises to Allah
B. appreciate the mercy and grace of Allah
C. remember the Day of Judgement
D. worship none except Almighty Allah
Explanation

Verse 5 of Surah al-Fatihah ('You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help') establishes tawhid, directing exclusive devotion and reliance to Allah, the core of Islamic faith.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

According to the Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W), learning is obligatory for both the

A. Muslim and non-Muslim
B. Old and Young
C. Male and Female
D. Arab and non-Arab
Explanation

The hadith states: 'Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim male and female,' emphasizing education as a religious duty for all genders to fulfill Islamic obligations.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

To seek divine guidance, Muslims are encouraged to perform Salat

A. Istisqa
B. Tarawih
C. Tahajjud
D. Istikhara
Explanation

Salat al-Istikhara is a two-rak'ah prayer followed by a specific dua seeking Allah's guidance in decision-making, trusting that Allah will facilitate what is best.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Makkah is referred to in Qur’an chapter 95 verse 3 as the city of

A. Allah
B. prayer
C. security
D. Islam
Explanation

Surah at-Tin (95:3) swears 'by this secure city' (wa hadhihi l-baladi l-amin), referring to Makkah as a sanctuary of peace and safety under divine protection.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The capital of the ancient Ghana Empire was

A. Kumbi Saleh
B. Jenne
C. Awdaghost
D. Sijilmasa
Explanation

Kumbi Saleh served as the capital of the Ghana Empire (c. 300–1240 CE), a major trade hub at the edge of the Sahara, facilitating gold and salt commerce.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Voluntary fasting is encouraged on

A. Fridays
B. ‘Id days
C. Mondays
D. a day before Ramadan
Explanation

The Prophet encouraged fasting on Mondays and Thursdays for their virtues in drawing near to Allah, as deeds are presented to Him on these days, excluding prohibited days like Eids.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The last verse of Suratut-Tin describes Allah as the

A. Lord
B. King
C. Creator
D. Judge
Explanation

Surah at-Tin (95:8) concludes: 'Then is one who is created from an insignificant drop of fluid expected to be other than that? But as for one who fears Allah and maintains justice, his reward is with his Lord.' Allah is the ultimate Judge.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The first king of the Mali Empire to accept Islam was

A. Mansa Musa
B. Sundiata
C. Mansa Sulayman
D. Barmandana
Explanation

Barmandana, a ruler before Sundiata Keita, was the first Mali king to convert to Islam, marking the beginning of Islamic influence in the empire's ruling class.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The following are voluntary fasts except

A. Sittah Shawwal
B. Ashura
C. Tasu‘a
D. Qada
Explanation

Qada' fasts are makeup for missed obligatory Ramadan fasts, not voluntary. Sittah Shawwal (six days of Shawwal), Ashura (10th Muharram), and Tasu'a (9th Muharram) are recommended sunnah fasts for extra reward.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Muslims should pay more attention to Hadith 5 of an-Nawawi because it

A. warns against backbiting
B. discourages innovations in religion
C. stresses the importance of faith
D. frowns upon excessive questioning
Explanation

Hadith 5 warns against bid'ah (innovations) by stating that any addition to Islam not part of it is rejected, urging Muslims to preserve the purity of the faith as taught by the Prophet.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

‘Alam yajidka yatiman fa’awa (Q. 93:6) refers to Muhammad (S.A.W) as

A. a prophet
B. an orphan
C. a hero
D. a leader
Explanation

Surah ad-Duha (93:6) translates to 'Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?', reminding the Prophet of Allah's care after his parents' death, providing comfort during revelation pauses.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The period before the advent of Islam in Arabia is referred to as Jahiliyyah because Arabia

A. was surrounded by water in the west and south
B. had no inspired Prophet and revelation
C. had desert border lines
D. was divided into three physical zones
Explanation

Jahiliyyah means 'ignorance,' referring to the pre-Islamic era of polytheism, moral decay, and lack of divine guidance, as no prophet or revelation existed to illuminate the path.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The sixth verse of al-Fatihah is a prayer for

A. protection
B. healing
C. guidance
D. mercy
Explanation

Verse 6 of Surah al-Fatihah ('Guide us to the straight path') is a supplication for hidayah (divine guidance) to the path of the righteous, essential for righteous living and salvation.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

How many times does the word Qadr occur in Qur’an chapter 97?

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

In Surah al-Qadr, 'Qadr' appears three times (verses 1, 2, 3), underscoring the night's decree, power, and value in the context of revelation and worship.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Qadr is mentioned in the surah of the same name (Surah 97)

A. once
B. twice
C. thrice
D. four times
Explanation

The term 'Qadr' is explicitly mentioned thrice in Surah al-Qadr, emphasizing its themes of divine decree and the night's superiority over a thousand months.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The word Qadr in Surah 97 refers to

A. power
B. destiny
C. night
D. decree
Explanation

'Qadr' in Surah al-Qadr primarily means 'decree' or 'measure,' referring to Allah's predestination, as the night marks the descent of decrees for the coming year.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The night of Qadr is better than

A. a thousand months
B. a hundred days
C. a year
D. a decade
Explanation

Surah al-Qadr (97:3) states 'The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months,' highlighting its immense spiritual rewards, where worship equals over 83 years.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Surah Qadr emphasizes the descent of

A. angels
B. revelation
C. mercy
D. guidance
Explanation

Verse 4 describes 'The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter,' signifying the night's role in conveying divine commands and blessings.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The revelation of the Qur’an began during the night of Qadr in

A. 610 C.E.
B. 615 C.E.
C. 620 C.E.
D. 625 C.E.
Explanation

The first revelation (Surah al-Alaq 96:1-5) occurred on Laylat al-Qadr in 610 CE in the Cave of Hira, marking the start of prophethood and the Quran's gradual revelation.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The night of Qadr occurs during the last

A. 5 days of Ramadan
B. 10 days of Ramadan
C. 15 days of Ramadan
D. 20 days of Ramadan
Explanation

Based on hadith (e.g., Sahih Bukhari), Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, often the odd ones (21, 23, 25, 27, 29), urging intensified worship.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The primary virtue of the night of Qadr is that it is a night of

A. forgiveness
B. peace
C. power
D. destiny
Explanation

Surah al-Qadr (97:5) ends 'Peace it is until the emergence of dawn,' portraying the night as serene and blessed, free from evil, filled with tranquility and divine presence.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

Muslims are encouraged to seek the night of Qadr through

A. prayer
B. fasting
C. charity
D. recitation
Explanation

The surah urges standing in prayer (qiyam al-layl) during Laylat al-Qadr for forgiveness and reward, as hadiths recommend seclusion in the mosque for worship.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Islamic Religion Studies · 2022

The significance of the night of Qadr is highlighted in Surah

A. 97
B. 98
C. 99
D. 100
Explanation

Surah al-Qadr (97) exclusively details Laylat al-Qadr's virtues, revelation, angelic descent, and superiority, making it the primary Quranic reference to the night.

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