WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2017 Theory Past Questions
All 8 questions from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2017 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
1. Discuss the contributions of 'Umar b. 'Abdul Aziz to the development of Hadith.
Model answer
i. When he saw that the prophetic tradition is being missed up with lies, he started the compilation of the tradition of the Prophet.
ii. In 100 A.H. he wrote a letter to Abu Bakr b Hazm, the governor of Madina, asking him to find the tradition of the Prophet and gather them systematically.
iii. He himself was a hadith reporter. He heard from his father, Anas, Abdullahi b. Ja'far b. Abi Talib, Sa'id b. al-Musayyab, Urwa b. al-Zubair and others. Thus, he recorded all his own report too.
iv. After the traditions have been collected from various city, it was reported to him for censoring.
v. He approved the most authentic based on the criteria they created.
Tafsir: this can be defined as the explanation to the Holy Qur'an. It is a book that explains the meaning of the wordings of the Qur'an. Example of such is Tafsir Ibn Katheer, Tafsir Qurtubiy etc.
Significance of Tafsir:
- It helps to explain the meaning of the Qur'an
- It gives details about some issues which are mentioned briefly in the Qur'an
- It explains for rulings relating to verses of the Qur'an
- It points out the wealth of grammars presented in the Qur'an.
3. Outline the criteria for authenticating the Matn of Hadith.
Model answer
Criteria for Authenticating the Matn of an Hadith:
i. A reporter from a person must have lived in the same time with the person he is reporting from.
ii. They must have met in one point or the other.
iii. The reporter must not have any record of mistrust.
iv. The reporter must be a Muslim.
v. The person he is reporting from must also be muslim.
Social Benefit of Sawm:
i. Sawm teaches us to feel what those that have not passes through in terms of hunger.
ii. It teaches us how to minimize waste.
iii. It breeds love because doing this time, people share things a lot.
iv. It trains us on sadaqat because everyone will like to gain rewards.
5. Describe the essentials for a valid marriage in Islam.
Model answer
Essentials for a Valid Marriage in Islam:
a. Acceptance and response: the guidance of the woman must answer yes to the marriage and the man must accept the woman after the acceptance.
b. Permission of the guidance of the woman: Allah said 'marry them with the permission of their people' — their people in this verse means their guidance.
c. Presence of witnesses: it is necessary that at least two persons be present doing the nutting of the marriage contract.
d. Dowry: the man should pay the woman her dowry that she demands. This must be agreed before the man could copulate with the woman.
6. Highlight the role of Hajj in the spread of Islam in West Africa.
Model answer
Role of Hajj in the Spread of Islam in West Africa:
i. Hajj creates awareness about Islam for the people of West Africa.
ii. Through Hajj, people of West Africa got the opportunity to meet scholars and learn the religion.
iii. Also, the economic opportunity by trading when they go for Hajj makes them to accept Islam in folds.
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