Islamic Studies helps you learn about the Qur’an, the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Islamic history, Islamic law, Tafsir, and other important parts of Islam. The right textbooks can make these topics easier to understand and help you prepare better for the examination.
In this guide, I will show you the complete list of the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies. You will also see what each group of books can help you study.
The list includes books on Qur’anic studies, Tajwid, Islamic history, Shariah, Tafsir, and general Islamic knowledge. Some books also focus on Islamic Studies at secondary school level.
The thing is, you do not need to read all the books at once. You can study one topic at a time and use the book that best explains that topic.
JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies 2027/2028
Complete List of Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies
The table below contains the complete list of the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies 2027/2028.
| S/N | Recommended Textbook |
|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul, M. O. A. (1976). Studies in Islam Series Book 3. Lagos: IPB. |
| 2 | Abdul, M. O. A. (1982). Studies in Islam Series Book 2. Lagos: IPB. |
| 3 | Abdul, M. O. A. (1988). The Classical Caliphate. Lagos: IPB. |
| 4 | Abdulrahman and Canham (n.d.). The Ink of the Scholar. OUP. |
| 5 | Ali, A. Y. (1975). The Holy Qur’an Text: Translation and Commentary. Leicester: The Islamic Foundation. |
| 6 | Ali, M. M. (n.d.). The Religion of Islam. Lahore. |
| 7 | Doi, A. R. I. (1997). Shariah: The Islamic Law. Kuala Lumpur: Noordeen. |
| 8 | Hay Lal, M. (1982). The Life of Muhammad (SAW). Academic Press. |
| 9 | Lemu, A. (1992). Methodology of Primary Islamic Studies. Lagos: IPB. |
| 10 | Lemu, A. (1993). Islamic Studies for SSS, Book 1. Lagos: IPB. |
| 11 | Lemu, A. (1993). Islamic Studies for SSS, Books. Minna: IET. |
| 12 | Muhammad, S. Q. (2010). Al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an. Cairo: Shirkatul-Qudus. |
| 13 | Opeloye, M. O. (1996). A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’an. Lagos: Academic Press. |
| 14 | Philips, A. A. B. (1997). Usool at-Tafseer. Kuala Lumpur: Noordeen. |
| 15 | Quadri, Y. A. et al. (1990). Al-Iziyyah for the English Audience. Ijebu Ode: Shebiotiuom Publication. |
| 16 | Rahim, A. (1992). Islamic History. Lagos: IPB. |
| 17 | Sambo, M. B. et al. (1984). Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 1. Lagos: IPB. |
| 18 | Sambo, M. B. et al. (1984). Islamic Religious Knowledge for WASC Book 3. Lagos: IPB. |
| 19 | Trimingham, J. S. (1993). A History of Islam in West Africa. Oxford: OUP. |
What These Islamic Studies Textbooks Cover
The Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies cover different parts of the subject. This means you can use different books for different topics instead of depending on one book for everything.
For Qur’anic studies, The Holy Qur’an Text: Translation and Commentary by Ali, A. Y. and Usool at-Tafseer by Philips, A. A. B. can help you study the Qur’an and Tafsir. The list also includes Al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an by Muhammad, S. Q., which focuses on Tajwid.
For Islamic history, books such as Islamic History by Rahim, A., The Classical Caliphate by Abdul, M. O. A., and A History of Islam in West Africa by Trimingham, J. S. are included.
There are also books that cover Islamic law and general Islamic knowledge. For example, Shariah: The Islamic Law by Doi, A. R. I. focuses on Islamic law, while The Life of Muhammad (SAW) by Hay Lal, M. focuses on the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The best way to use this list is to match each book with the topic you are studying. This can make your reading more organised and easier to remember.
How to Study With the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies
Reading the JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies is a good way to build your knowledge, but the way you study also matters. You will understand the subject better when you study each topic carefully instead of trying to memorise everything at once.
The thing is, Islamic Studies covers different areas. You may study Qur’anic teachings today, Islamic history tomorrow, and Islamic law another day. So, give each topic enough time.
Study the Qur’an and Its Teachings
Start by reading the relevant topic in your textbook. After that, read the related Qur’anic passage and try to understand its meaning.
Books such as The Holy Qur’an Text: Translation and Commentary by Ali, A. Y. and Usool at-Tafseer by Philips, A. A. B. can help you understand Qur’anic interpretation.
Do not only memorise the answers; try to understand the message behind each teaching.
When you come across an important verse or lesson, write down the main point in your own words. This can make revision much easier.
If you are studying Tajwid, practise the rules regularly. Al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an by Muhammad, S. Q. is included in the recommended list and can support this area of study.
Learn Islamic History and Important Events
Islamic history contains many people, places, events, and dates. Trying to memorise everything at once can make your study difficult.
Start with one period or event at a time. For example, you can study the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), then move to the Caliphate and later Islamic history.
Books such as The Life of Muhammad (SAW) by Hay Lal, M., The Classical Caliphate by Abdul, M. O. A., and Islamic History by Rahim, A. can help you study these areas.
A simple timeline can help you remember important Islamic events in the right order.
Write the name of the event, the people involved, and the main lesson. Then review your notes regularly.
Practise With Past Questions
After studying a topic, answer past JAMB Islamic Studies questions. This helps you check how much you remember and shows you which areas need more attention.
Past questions can help you:
- Test your knowledge of different topics.
- Improve your speed when answering questions.
- Find topics that need more revision.
- Become more familiar with examination questions.
Read also: JAMB Islamic Studies Syllabus 2026/2027 Download PDF
Do not wait until the examination is close before you start practising. Read your textbooks regularly, make short notes, revise often, and practise with past questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Islamic Studies books cover the Qur’an and Tafsir?
The list includes The Holy Qur’an Text: Translation and Commentary by Ali, A. Y., Usool at-Tafseer by Philips, A. A. B., and A Dictionary of Peoples and Places in the Qur’an by Opeloye, M. O. These books can help with different areas of Qur’anic study.
Which books can help with Islamic history?
You can use Islamic History by Rahim, A., The Classical Caliphate by Abdul, M. O. A., and A History of Islam in West Africa by Trimingham, J. S. These books cover important parts of Islamic history.
Are there books on Tajwid in the recommended list?
Yes. Al-Burhanu fi Tajwidil Qur’an by Muhammad, S. Q. is included in the list. It can be used when studying Tajwid and Qur’anic recitation rules.
Can I study Islamic Studies with only one textbook?
You can start with one textbook, but using more than one can give you a wider understanding. Different books may explain the same topic in different ways. The important thing is to understand the topic and cover the areas required for the examination.
Conclusion
The JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies 2027/2028 cover many important areas, including the Qur’an, Tafsir, Tajwid, Islamic history, Shariah, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Using the right books can make your study more organised and help you understand difficult topics.
Study one topic at a time, make short notes, review important events, practise Qur’anic studies, and answer past questions regularly. You do not have to read every book in one sitting. Start with the books that match the topic you are studying and keep building your knowledge.
I hope this guide has helped you find the complete list of Recommended Textbooks for Islamic Studies. If you found it useful, leave a comment below and share the article with another student who may need the list.