JAMB 2026/2027 Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies

If you are preparing for Islamic Studies in the 2026/2027 UTME, it becomes much easier when you rely on the JAMB 2026/2027 recommended textbooks for Islamic Studies that match the official syllabus. These books help you understand the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Islamic history, the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and key moral teachings tested in the exam.

This guide provides the full list of JAMB-recommended textbooks for Islamic Studies, along with a explanation of what each book covers. Also in the guide, you’ll find a set of FAQs that address common questions you as a UTME candidates may have while on the preparation.

List of JAMB Recommended Islamic Studies Textbooks 2026

S/N	Book Title	Author(s)	Brief Description
1	Studies in Islam Series Book 3	Abdul, M.O.A.	Covers Islamic beliefs, worship, and moral teachings with exercises suitable for senior secondary and UTME-level study.
2	Studies in Islam Series Book 2	Abdul, M.O.A.	Introduces key Islamic practices, early history, and foundations of Islamic thought for secondary learners.
3	The Classical Caliphate	Abdul, M.O.A.	Discusses the early Islamic caliphate system, leadership styles, and political developments after the Prophet (SAW).
4	The Ink of the Scholar (n.d.)	Abdulrahman & Canham	A collection of Islamic wisdom, scholarly sayings, and moral lessons for character-building.
5	The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary	Ali, A.Y.	Provides Qur’anic verses, translation, and detailed commentary widely used for academic Islamic studies.
6	The Religion of Islam (n.d.)	Ali, M.M.	Explains Islamic theology, worship principles, jurisprudence, and the foundations of Islamic creed.
7	Shariah: The Islamic Law	Doi, A. R. I.	A detailed introduction to Islamic jurisprudence, covering legal principles, sources of law, and applications.
8	The Life of Muhammad (SAW)	Hay Lal, M.	A biography of the Prophet (SAW) focusing on his mission, character, and major events in his life.
9	Methodology of Primary Islamic Studies	Lemu, A.	Explains how Islamic knowledge is structured and taught, helpful for understanding concepts in the syllabus.
10	Islamic Studies for SSS, Book 1	Lemu, A.	A school-level Islamic Studies guide covering core beliefs, worship, and history aligned with exam topics.
11	Islamic Studies for SSS, Books	Lemu, A.	Includes advanced discussions in Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, and Islamic ethics.
12	al-Burhanu fi tajwidil Qur’an	Muhammad, S. Q.	Focuses on the rules of Tajweed, pronunciation, and recitation techniques.
13	A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’an	Opeloye, M.O.	A reference guide explaining key names, tribes, and locations mentioned in the Qur’an.
14	Usool at-Tafseer	Philips, A. A. B.	Covers the principles of Qur’anic interpretation and how scholars derive meanings from verses.
15	Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience	Quadri, Y.A. et al	Explains classical Islamic jurisprudence concepts in simplified English for students.
16	Islamic History	Rahim, A.	A historical overview of Islam from its beginnings to later expansions across regions.
17	Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 1	Sambo, M.B. et al	Covers foundational IRK topics including faith, worship, and the life of the Prophet (SAW).
18	Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 3	Sambo, M.B. et al	Explores advanced IRK content, Islamic ethics, leadership, and history.
19	A History of Islam in West Africa	Trimingham, J.S.	Focuses on the spread of Islam across West Africa, major scholars, movements, and cultural developments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are these the official JAMB textbooks for Islamic Studies?

A: Yes, they are part of the recognized list used by schools and aligned with JAMB’s current syllabus.

Q: How many of the textbooks do I need to read to prepare well?

A: You don’t need all of them; however, reading 4–6 of the core ones, especially Qur’an commentary, Islamic history, and jurisprudence gives you strong coverage.

Q: Which book is best for understanding Qur’anic topics tested in JAMB?

A: A.Y. Ali’s Qur’an translation with commentary and Usool at-Tafseer offer excellent grounding for Qur’anic themes.

Q: Do the textbooks include past JAMB questions?

A: Some, like the Studies in Islam Series, include practice exercises, but you still need separate past question booklets.

Q: Can beginners use these books?

A: Yes. Several titles, especially Islamic Studies for SSS and Studies in Islam Series, are written in simple language for secondary students.

Q: Are these books available in digital format?

A: Some may be available online, but printed copies are more common across Nigerian bookstores.

Q: Is Tajweed included in the syllabus?

A: Yes, and that’s where al-Burhanu fi tajwidil Qur’an becomes useful.

Q: Are older editions still useful for JAMB 2026/2027?

A: Yes. The core content remains relevant even in older editions since Islamic knowledge does not change frequently.