Mapping the evolution of Islamic finance for sustainability: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to offer a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on Islamic finance and sustainable development (IFSD) from 1995 to 2024, identifying key themes, influential contributors and collaboration networks. Design/methodology/approach Two bibliometric approaches were used: performance analysis, which assessed annual citations, scientific output and influential authors and documents, and scientific mapping, using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer tools to analyse keyword co-occurrence, bibliometric coupling, thematic mapping and author−country collaboration networks. Findings This study has revealed significant growth in IFSD publications, particularly after 2010, indicating the field’s increasing relevance. The key themes identified included Islamic banking, sustainable development goals and green finance, with Malaysia and Indonesia emerging as central research hubs. Leading authors, such as Sukmana and Muneeza, are recognised for their substantial contributions. The analysis also identified underexplored areas, such as digital finance integration and socio-political dimensions, highlighting opportunities for future research. Research limitations/implications This study relies on Scopus and the Web of Science, potentially omitting relevant sources. While Biblioshiny and VOSviewer provided robust insights, integrating qualitative analysis could enhance the thematic depth. In addition, regional disparities in research output highlight the need for broader geographical representation. Future research should explore alternative databases, qualitative methods and cross-regional studies for a more comprehensive understanding of the IFSD. Practical implications The findings provide insights for policymakers and practitioners to enhance the integration of Islamic finance with sustainable development through innovations in green finance instruments and digital technologies, thereby supporting global sustainability goals. Social implications This study underscores Islamic finance’s potential to foster social justice, economic inclusivity and environmental stewardship, particularly in developing regions with lower Human Development Index scores. Originality/value This bibliometric analysis highlights the evolution and interdisciplinary nature of IFSD, offering critical insights for advancing research and practice in leveraging Islamic financial principles for sustainable development and promoting continued collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.

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Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 12 citations exist upstream.

Papers that cite the same references — the relational fallback while embeddings are still backfilling.