Zakat and Digitalisation: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on zakat and digitalisation, exploring how technological innovation is reshaping the theory and practice of zakat management within Islamic social finance. In recent years, the convergence of digital technologies, such as fintech, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, with zakat administration has drawn growing scholarly attention, yet systematic mapping of this emerging field remains limited. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates publication trends, collaborative networks, and thematic developments to provide an integrated overview of the intellectual landscape. Data were collected using Scopus advanced searching, applying the search string TITLE-ABS-KEY ((zakat OR zakah) AND (online OR digital OR technology OR virtual OR innovation OR AI OR “artificial intelligence”)) for publications between 2010 and 2025, yielding 250 relevant documents. The data were cleaned and standardised using OpenRefine, while descriptive analyses, such as publication trends by year, country, and citation impact, were conducted through the Scopus Analyzer. Visual mapping of keyword co-occurrence and international collaboration networks was performed using VOSviewer, employing the full counting method with specified thresholds to ensure analytical precision. The results reveal a rapid rise in publications after 2020, with Indonesia and Malaysia emerging as the most prolific contributors and key collaboration hubs. Nine keyword clusters were identified, highlighting major research themes including Islamic finance, fintech, blockchain, and digital zakat management. The co-authorship network analysis further demonstrates regional leadership by Southeast Asia, complemented by emerging participation from the Middle East and Western institutions. In conclusion, the findings underscore that research on zakat and digitalisation is evolving toward a more interdisciplinary and globally connected domain, contributing valuable insights into how digital transformation enhances transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in Islamic social finance systems.