Mapping the Landscape of Islamic Education Scholarship: A Bibliometric Study

This study employs a bibliometric analysis to investigate the scholarly landscape of Islamic education research as indexed in the Scopus database from 1970 to 2024. Using the Bibliometrix package in R, the research systematically examines a dataset of 1449 publications to identify key trends, influential authors, and dominant thematic areas. The analysis reveals a field experiencing substantial growth, particularly since the mid-2000s, with a 10.62% annual increase in publication output. While a diverse range of 2853 authors contributes to the field, international collaboration remains relatively limited, suggesting a predominantly national or regional focus. The study identifies core sources and prolific authors who have significantly shaped the direction of Islamic education research. A thematic analysis highlights a shift from earlier geographical and foundational concerns towards contemporary issues such as technology integration ("e-learning," "computer-aided instruction"), pedagogical approaches ("teaching and learning"), and global challenges like "sustainable development." Keywords such as "students," "teaching," and "Indonesia" frequently appear, indicating their central importance within the field. Furthermore, the analysis maps the evolution of research themes over time, revealing both enduring areas of inquiry (e.g., "islamism") and emerging trends. A co-occurrence network of keywords illustrates the interconnectedness of various concepts and the formation of distinct thematic clusters. In conclusion, this bibliometric study provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual structure and development of Islamic education research. The findings underscore the field's increasing global relevance and its evolution towards addressing contemporary educational challenges and societal needs. This analysis offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand the current state and future directions of Islamic education scholarship.