JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies 2026/2027
Islamic Studies is a major subject for candidates focusing on religion, ethics, and social studies. It examines key aspects of Islam, including the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic history, ethics, jurisprudence, and contemporary issues in the Muslim world.
For candidates preparing for the 2026/2027 JAMB examination, understanding these topics is very important for both multiple-choice and essay questions.
To make preparation easier, JAMB has recommended specific textbooks for Islamic Studies. These books cover areas as the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), pillars of Islam, moral teachings, Islamic law, and the spread of Islam in Africa and the world. They are designed for senior secondary school students, providing clear explanations and practical examples to help candidates understand and apply their knowledge effectively.
Studying Islamic Studies effectively requires using the recommended textbooks alongside the official JAMB syllabus. The syllabus guides candidates on which topics to prioritize, helping to focus study time and avoid unnecessary reading. Practicing past questions is also important, as it familiarizes students with the way questions are framed and the recurring themes in the examination.
JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies
| S/N | BOOK TITLE | AUTHOR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Studies in Islam Series Book 3 | Abdul, M.O.A. (1976) |
| 2 | Studies in Islam Series Book 2 | Abdul, M.O.A. (1982) |
| 3 | The Classical Caliphate | Abdul, M.O.A. (1988) |
| 4 | The Ink of the Scholar | Abdulrahman & Canham (n.d.) |
| 5 | The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary | Ali, A.Y. (1975) |
| 6 | The Religion of Islam | Ali, M.M. (n.d.) |
| 7 | Shariah: The Islamic Law | Doi, A.R.I. (1997) |
| 8 | The Life of Muhammad (SAW) | Hay Lal, M. (1982) |
| 9 | Methodology of Primary Islamic Studies | Lemu, A. (1992) |
| 10 | Islamic Studies for SSS Book 1 | Lemu, A. (1993) |
| 11 | Islamic Studies for SSS (Books Series) | Lemu, A. (1993) |
| 12 | al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an | Muhammad, S.Q. (2010) |
| 13 | A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’an | Opeloye, M.O. (1996) |
| 14 | Usool at-Tafseer | Philips, A.A.B. (1997) |
| 15 | Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience | Quadri, Y.A. et al. (1990) |
| 16 | Islamic History | Rahim, A. (1992) |
| 17 | Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 1 | Sambo, M.B. et al. (1984) |
| 18 | Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 3 | Sambo, M.B. et al. (1984) |
| 19 | A History of Islam in West Africa | Trimingham, J.S. (1993) |
Additional Resources
Abdulrahman, M. (2005). Islamic Studies for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
Aliyu, S. (2006). Comprehensive Islamic Studies. Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University Press.
Bello, A. (2004). Islamic Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Evans Brothers Nigeria.
Danladi, U. (2003). Understanding Islam: Principles and Practice. Onitsha: Africana-FEP Publishers Ltd.
Muhammad, I. (2002). Senior Secondary School Islamic Studies. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Ltd.
Sani, A. (2001). Introduction to Islamic Studies. Kano: Macmillan Nigeria.
Note for Islamic Studies Candidates
To perform well in JAMB Islamic Studies, it is important to focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts blindly. Candidates should study the recommended textbooks carefully, paying attention to the life of the Prophet, the pillars of Islam, ethical teachings, and Islamic history. This understanding will help in answering both multiple-choice and essay questions with confidence.
Following the JAMB Islamic Studies syllabus closely ensures that candidates focus on topics that are most likely to appear in the examination. It helps in organizing study sessions effectively and prevents wasting time on less relevant areas. Candidates should plan their revision to cover every section of the syllabus, balancing theory with application.
Practicing past questions is essential for developing familiarity with the format and recurring patterns in JAMB Islamic Studies. Regular practice builds confidence, improves time management during the exam, and helps candidates identify areas that need extra attention.
Passing Islamic Studies in JAMB comes from a combination of careful reading, understanding the syllabus, and practicing past questions. Using these strategies will give candidates a solid foundation and increase their chances of scoring high in the examination.
An education writer with almost a decade of experience helping Nigerian students prepare for JAMB and Admission. Hauwa is passionate about ensuring that students have the resources and guides they need to succeed in their academic journey.