WHAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED ON ZAKAT INSTITUTIONS? A BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on zakat published between 2011-2024 with the aims to map its intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and collaboration networks. Using science mapping principles, 312 documents from Scopus database are analyzed through co-authorship, citation counts, co-occurrence patterns, thematic analysis, and network visualization using R-based bibliometrix package and biblioshiny interface with AI-assisted visualization. Results reveal five distinct thematic clusters: social and psychological aspects of zakat compliance; digital transformation and technology adoption; institutional efficiency with Malaysian focus; financial governance and accountability; and macro-level zakat management in Indonesia. The field demonstrates remarkable growth with a 28.29% annual growth rate, dominated by Malaysian and Indonesian institutions accounting for over 65% of publications. Research evolution shows a progression from foundational governance issues (2011-2016) to strategic management (2016-2020) and contemporary digital innovation (2020-2024). The study identifies significant research gaps, particularly the absence of in-depth qualitative methodologies and limited cross-country comparative studies. This study offers novel insights into the evolution of zakat governance and highlights the need for interdisciplinary and cross-regional research to strengthen institutional relevance and inclusivity in zakat management.