Iranian Economic Review

Iranian Economic Review

Shariah Governance in Islamic Financial Institutions: A Bibliometric Analysis and Scoping Review

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Financial Management, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Faculty of Islamic Studies and Economics, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive mixed‑methods review of Shariah governance in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) by integrating bibliometric analysis with a qualitative scoping review. Using a structured search protocol, 67 peer‑reviewed articles published between 2006 and 2023 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and EBSCO. The bibliometric phase employs VOSviewer to map the intellectual structure of the field, identifying four dominant thematic clusters: Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) independence, Shariah compliance and audit, performance and Maqasid al‑Shariah, and regulatory standardization. These clusters inform and guide the subsequent qualitative analysis. The scoping review synthesizes the literature through systematic coding in MAXQDA, producing four overarching themes: conceptualization of Shariah governance, governance frameworks, key structural and operational challenges, and emerging research gaps. The findings highlight persistent concerns regarding SSB competence and independence, weak internal Shariah control systems, limited transparency, and insufficient alignment with Maqasid objectives. Significant gaps remain in empirical evidence, measurement development, cross‑country comparative studies, and institutional readiness for effective Shariah governance implementation. Drawing on these insights, the study proposes an integrated conceptual framework that consolidates definitions, governance structures, challenges, and research gaps into a unified model. The review offers practical guidance for regulators, policymakers, and industry practitioners while outlining strategic priorities for future research aimed at strengthening Shariah governance in the Islamic finance industry.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 July 2026