JAMB CRS Questions and Answers 2026/2027 | JAMB IRS Questions 2027 | How to Pass JAMB Christian Religious Studies | Islamic Religious Studies JAMB Tips
Introduction: Mastering JAMB CRS and IRS for 2026/2027
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) are two of the most spirit-enriching yet academically demanding subjects in the JAMB examination. Arts and Social Science students who take these subjects as part of their UTME combination must prepare not just with devotion but with academic rigor and strategy.
Many students underperform in CRS and IRS because they assume that simply being religious is enough preparation. JAMB tests specific textual knowledge: precise events, characters, theological concepts, historical facts, and moral teachings drawn from the Bible (for CRS) and the Quran, Hadith, and early Islamic history (for IRS). This requires intentional study, not just personal faith.
The 50 questions in this section cover both CRS and IRS, blended to help students from both traditions prepare comprehensively. For CRS students, focus on Old Testament narrative, prophetic books, the Gospels, and Pauline epistles. For IRS students, prioritize the Five Pillars, prophetic history, Quranic themes, and early Islamic civilization. Work through these questions with your syllabus in hand.
JAMB CRS/IRS Syllabus Overview
JAMB CRS covers: Creation and Fall (Genesis), Old Testament History (Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Judges, Kings), Old Testament Prophecy (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos), New Testament: Life of Jesus (Gospels), Early Church (Acts of the Apostles), Pauline Epistles, and General Epistles. IRS covers: The life of Prophet Muhammad, Islamic Beliefs (Tawhid, Angels, Prophets, Scriptures, Day of Judgment, Qadar), the Five Pillars, Islamic jurisprudence and ethics, and early Islamic civilization and caliphate.
50 Predicted JAMB 2026/2027 CRS/IRS Questions and Answers
Q1. What is the significance of the Abrahamic covenant in the Bible?
Answer: God promised Abraham land (Canaan), descendants as numerous as the stars, and that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12, 15, 17). It established the basis for the relationship between God and Israel.
Q2. What was the purpose of the Ten Commandments?
Answer: The Ten Commandments (Decalogue), given to Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), were a covenant code establishing moral and religious obligations between Israel and God, defining how they should relate to God and to one another.
Q3. Who was Moses and what was his primary role?
Answer: Moses was the Hebrew leader chosen by God (through the burning bush, Exodus 3) to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land. He also received and transmitted God’s laws.
Q4. What is the central message of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)?
Answer: The Sermon on the Mount presents Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God, including the Beatitudes (blessings for the people with low-income in spirit, meek, etc.), love for enemies, prayer (the Lord’s Prayer), and living righteously beyond the letter of the law.
Q5. What is the significance of the Passover in the Old Testament?
Answer: The Passover (Exodus 12) commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The blood of a lamb on the doorposts caused the angel of death to ‘pass over’ Israelite homes, sparing their firstborn from the tenth plague.
Q6. Who were the Major Prophets in the Old Testament?
Answer: The Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations (attributed to Jeremiah), Ezekiel, and Daniel, named ‘major’ due to the length of their books rather than their importance compared to Minor Prophets.
Q7. What is ‘the Fall of Man’ and its consequence according to CRS?
Answer: The Fall refers to Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) by eating the forbidden fruit. The consequence was separation from God, expulsion from Eden, pain in childbirth, toil, and death entering human experience.
Q8. What is the meaning of the concept ‘Kingdom of God’ in the Gospels?
Answer: The Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew) refers to God’s sovereign rule and reign, both present (in the ministry of Jesus) and future (the final consummation). Jesus proclaimed it through parables, healing, and his resurrection.
Q9. Who was King David and what is his significance in CRS?
Answer: David was Israel’s second king (succeeding Saul), a man ‘after God’s own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14), who united Israel, established Jerusalem as capital, wrote many Psalms, and received God’s promise of an eternal dynasty (the Davidic Covenant).
Q10. What is the significance of the baptism of Jesus?
Answer: Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3) marked the beginning of his public ministry. God’s voice from heaven declared ‘This is my beloved Son,’ and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, confirming Jesus’ identity and mission.
Q11. Who were the twelve apostles?
Answer: Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (Judas son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (replaced by Matthias in Acts 1).
Q12. What is ‘Prophethood’ in Islam?
Answer: In Islam, prophethood (Nubuwwah) is the divine appointment of chosen men as messengers (Prophets) to convey God’s message and guidance to humanity. Muslims believe there were 124,000 prophets, with Muhammad as the final (Seal of the Prophets).
Q13. What is the significance of the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) in Islam?
Answer: Laylat al-Qadr is the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is believed to occur in one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan and is described in the Quran as better than a thousand months.
Q14. What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
Answer: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakat (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are able).
Q15. What is the story of Joseph in the Old Testament?
Answer: Joseph (Genesis 37-50) was Jacob’s favored son, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Through God’s providence, he rose to become second in command of Egypt, eventually reconciling with his brothers and saving his family during famine.
Q16. What is the ‘Great Commission’ in the New Testament?
Answer: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is Jesus’ command to his disciples to ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded.’
Q17. Who is the Holy Spirit in Christian theology?
Answer: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. In the New Testament, Jesus promised the Spirit as a Comforter and Guide (John 14-16). The Spirit descended at Pentecost (Acts 2), empowering the early church for mission.
Q18. What is ‘Zakat’ in Islam and who must pay it?
Answer: Zakat is the obligatory annual charity (2.5% of wealth above a minimum threshold called Nisab) that every financially capable Muslim must pay. It is distributed to the people with low-income, debtors, travelers in need, and those in the service of God.
Q19. What is the significance of Pentecost in Christianity?
Answer: Pentecost (Acts 2) marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples after Jesus’ ascension, as promised. The disciples spoke in tongues, and 3,000 people were baptized. It is considered the birthday of the Christian Church.
Q20. What is ‘Shirk’ in Islam and why is it a major sin?
Answer: Shirk is the act of associating partners or equals with Allah (God). It is the gravest sin in Islam (Quran 4:48) because it violates Tawhid (the absolute oneness of God), the foundational principle of Islamic faith.
Q21. Who was Solomon and what is he known for in the Bible?
Answer: Solomon was David’s son and Israel’s third king, famous for his God-given wisdom (1 Kings 3), the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, his massive wealth, and the Song of Solomon and Proverbs attributed to him.
Q22. What is the ‘Hijra’ in Islamic history?
Answer: The Hijra (Migration) of 622 CE was Prophet Muhammad’s emigration from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution and establish the first Muslim community. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (AH – Anno Hegirae).
Q23. What is the ‘Epistle to the Romans’ about?
Answer: Paul’s letter to the Romans (the longest Pauline epistle) systematically explains the gospel: all have sinned, salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ (not works of the law), and believers are justified by grace through faith.
Q24. What is ‘Tawhid’ in Islam?
Answer: Tawhid is the absolute oneness and uniqueness of Allah (God). It is the central theological concept of Islam, declaring that God is one, without partners, without equals, and without physical form.
Q25. Who was Elijah the prophet and what were his notable deeds?
Answer: Elijah was a great Old Testament prophet who confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s promotion of Baal worship. He challenged 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), raised a widow’s son, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Q26. What is ‘the Psalms’ and who wrote them?
Answer: The Psalms are a collection of 150 religious songs, hymns, laments, and prayers in the Old Testament. Many are attributed to David, though others were written by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and unnamed authors.
Q27. What is the Islamic view of Jesus (Isa)?
Answer: In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is revered as one of the greatest prophets of Allah, born of a virgin (Mary/Maryam), who performed miracles and was given the Gospel (Injil). Muslims do not believe he was crucified, but was raised to God, and will return before the Day of Judgment.
Q28. What is ‘justification by faith’ in Pauline theology?
Answer: Paul’s doctrine (Romans 3-4, Galatians) that sinners are declared righteous (justified) before God not by observing the Law, but through faith in Jesus Christ who died for their sins. Abraham was justified by faith, not works.
Q29. What were the plagues of Egypt in the Old Testament?
Answer: The ten plagues (Exodus 7-12) sent by God through Moses were: Water turned to blood, Frogs, Lice/Gnats, Flies, Livestock disease, Boils, Hail, Locusts, Darkness, and the Death of the Firstborn, which culminated in the Exodus.
Q30. What is ‘the Quran’ and how was it revealed?
Answer: The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam, believed to be the literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibril (Gabriel) over approximately 23 years. It consists of 114 chapters (Surahs) and is preserved in Arabic.
Q31. What is the significance of Abraham (Ibrahim) in both Christianity and Islam?
Answer: In Christianity, Abraham is the father of faith (Romans 4), whose trust in God is the model for Christian belief. In Islam, Ibrahim is among the greatest prophets, who built the Kaaba with his son Ismail and submitted completely to Allah (the meaning of ‘Muslim’).
Q32. What is the ‘Sermon on the Plain’ in Luke?
Answer: Luke’s equivalent of the Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:17-49) contains Jesus’ Beatitudes (blessings and woes), commands to love enemies, judge not, and build one’s life on the foundation of Jesus’ words.
Q33. What is ‘Sawm’ (fasting) in Islam?
Answer: Sawm is fasting from dawn to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. It promotes self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for the people with low-income.
Q34. What is ‘the Prodigal Son’ parable about?
Answer: In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of a son who wastes his inheritance, returns in repentance, and is joyfully welcomed back by his father. It illustrates God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and joy over repentant sinners.
Q35. Who was Paul (Saul of Tarsus) and what role did he play in early Christianity?
Answer: Paul was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians until a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He became Christianity’s greatest missionary, planting churches across the Roman Empire and writing 13 epistles of the New Testament.
Q36. What is ‘Hajj’ in Islam and when is it performed?
Answer: Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every capable Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime. It is performed in Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th Islamic month) and includes rituals like Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and standing at Mount Arafat.
Q37. What is the significance of the Last Supper?
Answer: The Last Supper (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, 1 Corinthians 11) was Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. He instituted the Eucharist (Communion), breaking bread and sharing wine as symbols of his body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins.
Q38. What is ‘Salah’ in Islam?
Answer: Salah is the five daily ritual prayers that Muslims must perform: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Each prayer involves specific postures, recitations from the Quran, and facing toward Mecca (Qiblah).
Q39. What was the role of the Judges in ancient Israel?
Answer: Before the monarchy, Judges (like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson) were charismatic military-leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression by foreign enemies and restore covenant faithfulness. The book of Judges covers this period.
Q40. What is ‘the resurrection’ and its significance in Christianity?
Answer: The resurrection is the bodily rising of Jesus Christ from the dead three days after his crucifixion (1 Corinthians 15). Paul calls it foundational to Christian faith: ‘if Christ is not raised, your faith is futile.’ It is proof of Jesus’ divinity and the basis of Christian hope.
Q41. What is ‘Hadith’ in Islam?
Answer: The Hadith are recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad, collected and authenticated after his death. They serve as a secondary source of Islamic law and practice, alongside the Quran.
Q42. Who was Ruth in the Old Testament and what does her story teach?
Answer: Ruth was a Moabite woman who chose to remain loyal to her Hebrew mother-in-law Naomi after both their husbands died (Ruth 1:16-17). Her faithfulness was rewarded: she married Boaz, became an ancestor of David, and ultimately of Jesus. Her story teaches loyalty, grace, and redemption.
Q43. What is ‘the Ark of the Covenant’ in the Old Testament?
Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest housing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff, and a jar of manna. It symbolized God’s presence with Israel and was kept in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later Solomon’s Temple.
Q44. What is ‘the Trinity’ in Christian theology?
Answer: The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God exists as one Being in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. All three share one divine nature yet are distinct persons.
Q45. What is ‘the Day of Judgment’ (Yawm al-Qiyamah) in Islam?
Answer: The Day of Judgment (also known as the Last Day or Day of Resurrection) is when Allah will raise all of humanity from the dead to be judged for their deeds. The righteous will enter Paradise (Jannah); the wicked will be condemned to Hell (Jahannam).
Q46. What is the ‘Exodus’ in the Old Testament?
Answer: The Exodus is the pivotal event in which God, through Moses, delivered the Israelites from 430 years of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12-14), culminating in the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. It is the defining act of God’s salvation in the Old Testament.
Q47. What is ‘the epistles of John’ about?
Answer: The three epistles of John address: (1 John) fellowship with God, love, and assurance of salvation; (2 John) warning against false teachers; (3 John) commendation of Gaius and the importance of showing hospitality to traveling ministers of the gospel.
Q48. Who is ‘the suffering servant’ in Isaiah 53?
Answer: Isaiah 53 describes a servant who suffers and dies for the sins of others, bearing their iniquities. Christians interpret this as a prophecy of Jesus Christ’s suffering, crucifixion, and atoning death.
Q49. What is ‘Ummah’ in Islam?
Answer: Ummah refers to the global Muslim community or brotherhood, united by faith in Allah and submission to His will, transcending national, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries.
Q50. What was the covenant at Sinai (Mosaic Covenant)?
Answer: At Mount Sinai, God established a covenant with Israel through Moses. Israel pledged to obey God’s laws (the Torah), and God promised to be their God and give them the Promised Land. It was conditional: blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
Q51. What is the significance of the ‘beatitudes’ in the New Testament?
Answer: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) are eight blessings declared by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, describing the character of true Kingdom citizens: people with low-income in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for righteousness. Each promise eternal or kingdom blessing.
CBT Tips for JAMB CRS/IRS
For CRS, never confuse characters or events from different books. Know the exact biblical reference for key events (e.g., which chapter the Ten Commandments appear in). For IRS, memorize the Five Pillars with their full details, the names and order of the early caliphs, and key Quranic concepts. Both subjects benefit from reading your holy text directly alongside study guides rather than relying solely on secondary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many questions does JAMB set for CRS/IRS?
A: JAMB sets 40 questions for CRS or IRS (whichever the candidate registers for) in the UTME examination.
Q: Can a student take both CRS and IRS in JAMB?
A: No. A candidate registers for either CRS or IRS, not both. The choice is based on religious preference and the requirements of your intended course of study.
Q: What are the most tested topics in JAMB CRS 2026/2027?
A: The life of Abraham, Moses and the Exodus, King David, the Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah), Jesus’s teachings and parables, Paul’s missionary journeys, and Pentecost are consistently the most heavily tested topics in JAMB CRS.
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Related resources: JAMB CRS Syllabus 2026/2027 Complete Guide | JAMB IRS Syllabus and Key Topics | JAMB CRS Past Questions PDF Download | Old Testament Summary for JAMB | Five Pillars of Islam for JAMB IRS | Pauline Epistles Summary for JAMB CRS
