Shariah Compliance in Islamic Finance A Decade in Review through Bibliometric Lenses
Keywords:
Islamic finance, Shariah compliance, bibliometric analysis, VOSviewer, research trends, digital finance, SustainabilityAbstract
Purpose: This study aims to map the intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and global research trends in Islamic finance compliance through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. It seeks to identify key contributors, dominant themes, and emerging research frontiers to guide future scholarship and policy development.
Design/methodology/approach: Data were retrieved from the Scopus database, encompassing 366 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2006 and 2025. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Biblioshiny (R package), VOSviewer, and biblioMagika to examine publication trends, leading authors, institutions, countries, sources, and keyword co-occurrence networks. Thematic clustering and quadrant analysis were employed to identify core, emerging, and niche research areas.
Findings: The results reveal exponential growth in scholarly output, particularly after 2020, with Malaysia emerging as the most productive and influential country, led by institutions such as IIUM and INCEIF. The Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research is identified as the most prolific and impactful source. Thematic analysis uncovers three dominant research streams: (1) Shariah governance and institutional compliance, (2) digital transformation (blockchain, fintech, AI), and (3) sustainability and ESG integration. The co-occurrence network highlights the centrality of "Shariah compliance" and "governance," while the emergence of "DeFi" and "blockchain" signals a technological shift in the field.
Originality/value: This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of Islamic finance compliance, providing a structured overview of the field's development and identifying key research gaps. It contributes to the literature by highlighting the transition from traditional compliance models to technology-driven and values-based frameworks. It proposes a future research agenda focused on digital auditing, regulatory harmonisation, and sustainable Islamic finance.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Galuh Akhir Indah Mustika Sari, Muhamad Subhi Apriantoro, Mohd Ashari Bakri
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