WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2020 Theory Past Questions
All 6 questions from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2020 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation for each. Free, no signup needed.
1(a) Write the first five verses of Suratut-Tin [Q95] either in Arabic or transliteration. (b) Translate them into English. (c) Comment on them.
Model answer
(a) Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim. Wat-tini waz-zaytun. Wa turi sinin. Wa hadhal baladil amin. Laqad khalaqnal insana fi ahsani taqwim. Thumma radadnahu asfala safilin.
(b) In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. By the fig and the olive, and by Mount Sinai, and by this secure city (Makkah), we have certainly created man in the best of stature, then We return him to the lowest of the low.
(c) Comments on the verses: Allah is the creator of mankind; Mankind has the best of stature among the creations of Allah; Definitely, every human will die and be buried inside the earth; Makkah is secured by Allah.
2. Examining the teaching of Islam on parent-child relationship.
Model answer
Islam teaches that the parents should breastfeed their children from birth to a maximum period of two years. They may also contract the breastfeeding for the child. Islam enjoins parents to teach their Aqeedah and some other important part of the religion. Islam teaches children to hold their parents at higher esteem. Islam also commands children to be dutiful to their parents. Islam teaches children to be respectful to their parents.
3(a) Explain the term Jahiliyyah. (b) Examine the status of women in the Jahiliyyah. (c) Highlight the reform introduced to it by Islam.
Model answer
(a) The term Jahiliyyah simply means the period of time before the advent of Islam. It is considered as the period which precede the raising of the Prophet (alays solatu wassallam).
(b) Status of women during Jahiliyyah: Women are not regarded to be of value. That is why, majority of female children are buried alive; They are considered as part of a man's property; Many men sleep with a woman before she will get pregnant; When a man dies, the women do not take a share of the property; Women are source of entertainment. Most times they dance nakedly.
(c) Reforms introduced by Islam: Islam ordered the women to cover themselves so as to be more valuable; A proportion of a deceased was given to women; One man for four women as against one woman for many men; Islam gave women sense of belonging and dignity.
4. Write on the mission of Prophet Nuh (A.S) as one of the 'Ulul-'Azm Minar-Rusul.
Model answer
The Prophet Nuh (A.S) was the second prophet sent by Allah to mankind after Adam. Allah raised him when the dwellers of the earth started associating partners with Allah. He was raised when he was 350 years old and he started coming to the path of Allah till he was 950 years old. Very few of his people accept his preaching as it was recorded that only 50 accepted him having preached for over 600 years. Among those who disbelieve in his preaching are his wife and son. He made all effort to call his son to Islam but to no avail. He was a daily target of abuse to his people, but he was so patient with them. This is one of the reasons he is considered as one of the 'Ulul-'Azm Minar-Rusul. 'Ulul-'Azm Minar-Rusulare are those on whom Allah has placed the highest responsibility than the rest among the prophets.
5(a) Define the term Shirk. (b) Highlight the acts which could be considered as Shirk.
Model answer
(a) Shirk: this can be defined as the act of associating partners with Allah in worship. That is to say the act of worshipping Allah and also worshipping another thing aside Allah.
(b) Acts that are considered as Shirk: Invocating other than Allah; making sacrifice for other than Allah; making prostration for other than Allah; seeking protection from other than Allah; seeking redemption from other than Allah.
6(a) Complete the following Hadith: "man 'ahadatha fi amrina hadha..." (b) Translate it into English. (c) Comment on it.
Model answer
(a) "man 'ahadatha fi amrina hadha maa laysa minhu, fahuwa raddun" (whoever introduces in this our affair what is not there, will be rejected).
(b) "Whoever introduces/innovates in this our affairs what is not in it, such will be rejected."
(c) Comments on the hadith: This hadith is the fundamental hadith used to refute innovation in Islam; This hadith indicates that the religion of Islam has been completed and perfected; There is no new thing that can occur in Islam. Everything has been clarified by The Prophet.
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