Choosing Islamic Law as a course in JAMB 2026 is a strong decision, but here’s the truth many candidates don’t hear early enough: your subject combination matters just as much as your JAMB score.
Every year, students score high and still lose admission simply because they picked the wrong subjects. This post breaks everything down slowly and clearly, so you understand why each subject is required before we finally list the exact combination.
No rushing. No confusion. Let’s get into it.
Understanding Islamic Law as a JAMB Course
Islamic Law (sometimes called Sharia Law or Islamic Legal Studies) is deeply rooted in:
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Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)
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Religious texts
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Governance and legal systems
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Ethics, morality, and societal rules in Islam
Because of this, JAMB and universities are very specific about the kind of subjects they want to see. They are not just testing intelligence — they are testing alignment with the course.
That’s why random combinations don’t work here.
First Rule: The Compulsory Subject
No matter the course, JAMB always requires four subjects.
And for every course in JAMB, one subject is non-negotiable:
1. Use of English (CORE)
This is compulsory for all candidates, including Islamic Law.
If English is missing, the registration is invalid — simple.
So we already have one core subject locked in.
Why Religious and Government Subjects Matter for Islamic Law
Islamic Law is not a science-based or calculation-heavy course. It is more about:
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Interpretation of laws
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Religious doctrines
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Governance
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Ethics and societal rules
Because of this, JAMB prioritizes subjects that show:
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Religious understanding
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Reading and interpretation skills
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Knowledge of governance and law
That’s where the next core subjects come in.
Core Subjects for Islamic Law in JAMB 2026
These are the subjects that almost all universities agree on for Islamic Law.
Core Subjects (Must-Have):
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Use of English
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Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
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Government
These three subjects form the foundation of Islamic Law.
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IRS proves you understand Islamic teachings and jurisprudence.
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Government connects directly to law, authority, and legal systems.
At this point, you have three subjects.
But JAMB requires four.
That’s where optional subjects come in.
The Fourth Subject: Where Candidates Have Options
This is the part many students get wrong.
For Islamic Law, JAMB allows candidates to choose ONE subject from an approved list. You do not pick all — you pick one that fits you best.
Approved Optional Subjects:
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Arabic
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Literature in English
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History
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Economics
You only need one of these.
How to Choose the Best Optional Subject (Important)
This choice should not be random.
Here’s how to decide:
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Arabic
Best option if you are strong in Arabic or attended an Islamic/Arabic school. Many universities actually prefer this. -
Literature in English
Good if you’re strong in reading, analysis, and essay-based questions. -
History
Works well because Islamic Law has historical foundations. -
Economics
Accepted by some institutions, but not the strongest option. Use only if it’s your best subject.
If you’re unsure, Arabic or Literature in English are the safest picks.
Final JAMB Subject Combination for Islamic Law (2026)
After breaking everything down, here is the correct structure:
Core Subjects:
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Use of English
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Islamic Religious Studies (IRS)
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Government
Choose ONE of the following as the fourth subject:
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Arabic
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Literature in English
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History
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Economics
That makes four subjects total, as required by JAMB.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
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Replacing IRS with CRS
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Using Mathematics or Biology unnecessarily
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Picking subjects based on friends, not the course
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Ignoring university-specific requirements
One wrong subject can cancel your chances, even with a high score.
Final Advice for JAMB 2026 Candidates
Always:
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Confirm your course in the JAMB brochure
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Check your preferred university’s requirements
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Choose subjects you can actually score high in
Islamic Law is a respected and competitive course. The right subject combination puts you ahead before the exam even starts.