Mapping Research on Islamic Education in Higher Education: Insights from Recent Trends Analysis

Amrun Saleh; Awal Kurnia Putra Nasution

doi:10.31849/syxtby87

Authors

Amrun Saleh Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Tarbiyah Al Washliyah, Aceh Tengah, Indonesia
Awal Kurnia Putra Nasution Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/syxtby87

Keywords:

Islamic education, Higher education , Bibliometric analysis, Trends analysis, Global insight

Abstract

This study investigates the evolving landscape of Islamic education in higher education by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 801 Scopus-indexed documents published between 2015 and 2024, aiming to map publication growth, leading contributors, and emerging research themes. Using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix for data visualization and performance analysis, the study identifies a remarkable 453 percent rise in publication output, from 30 documents in 2015 to 166 in 2024, demonstrating a significant surge in scholarly interest. Indonesia emerges as the most productive country with 43.5 percent of total publications, followed by Malaysia at 18 percent and Iran at 11 percent, while English dominates as the primary language of dissemination at 92.6 percent. The analysis reveals strong research concentrations in Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities, accounting for over 65 percent of publications, yet indicates growing interdisciplinary engagement with fields such as Medicine, Computer Science, and Business. Trend and co-occurrence analyses highlight the emergence of gender, public health, digital learning, and artificial intelligence as influential themes, particularly in post-pandemic years. The findings underscore the increasing global relevance of Islamic education research while revealing underexplored domains such as environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and cross-regional collaboration beyond Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This study provides a data-driven foundation for future research agendas, encouraging broader methodological diversity, stronger international partnerships, and deeper exploration of how Islamic education can address contemporary global challenges across academic and societal contexts.

Author Biographies

Amrun Saleh, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Tarbiyah Al Washliyah, Aceh Tengah, Indonesia

Drs. Amrun Saleh, M.A. is a lecturer at the Department of Islamic Education Management, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Tarbiyah (STIT) Al Washliyah Aceh Tengah, Indonesia. He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic education and has many years of experience in teaching, academic leadership, and community service. His expertise covers Islamic education management, educational leadership, curriculum development, and quality assurance in education. Throughout his career, he has been actively engaged in scholarly research and educational development projects aimed at improving the quality of Islamic educational institutions. With a deep commitment to integrating Islamic values into educational theory and practice, he strives to nurture competent educators and leaders who can contribute significantly to the advancement of Islamic education in Indonesia.
Awal Kurnia Putra Nasution, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

Awal Kurnia Putra Nasution, M.TPd. is a senior lecturer in the Department of Indonesian Language Education at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UIN Sumatera Utara), specializing in educational technology and instructional media. He has published in national and international journals, focusing on the integration of digital media into teaching, especially blended and online learning. His monograph, Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Internet (Internet-Based Learning Media), highlights his commitment to developing innovative educational tools. In addition to teaching and research, he serves as a reviewer for reputable national and international journals, demonstrating recognized expertise and scholarly integrity. Before joining UIN Sumatera Utara, he was a lecturer at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Takengon, where much of his early research was conducted. His research interests include online learning, blended learning models, comic-based moral education, and Gayo community cultural studies.

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