تحلیل و ترسیم نقشه دانش و همکاری علمی در بروندادهای علمی حوزه تکافل در پایگاه وب‌آوساینس از آغاز تاکنون

Purpose:
Scientific outputs that explain, analyze, and interpret research findings are vital to the processes of knowledge production, dissemination, and expansion. By documenting and publishing research results, these scholarly works enable communication and interaction among researchers, foster scientific critique, and contribute to the formation of specialized discourses within academic communities. The publication of such outputs not only advances science but also reinforces a research-oriented culture within academic institutions. In this context, the present study seeks to analyze and map the scientific and intellectual structure of research outputs in the field of Takaful—Islamic cooperative insurance—indexed in the Web of Science database from 1983 to 2024.
Methodology:
This research is applied in purpose and scientometric in nature, employing content analysis, thesaurus analysis, and network analysis techniques. The statistical population comprises 211 scientific articles indexed in the Web of Science database under the topic of Takaful. Data collection and analysis were carried out using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software. The analytical process focused on identifying conceptual relationships, research trends, and collaboration patterns among authors, institutions, and countries. Through these methods, the study aimed to visualize the intellectual landscape of Takaful research and identify influential contributors and emerging thematic areas.
Findings:
The scientometric analysis revealed that the Takaful research domain has experienced continuous growth and diversification, both conceptually and structurally. The thesaurus-based analysis identified ten distinct semantic clusters that collectively represent the multidimensional and interdisciplinary nature of the knowledge produced in this field. These clusters encompass a wide range of topics—from foundational jurisprudential and ethical principles to practical issues related to management, finance, and economic implementation. The identification of these clusters provides valuable insights into the intellectual architecture of Takaful studies and offers a roadmap for guiding future research toward addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in Islamic insurance.
The co-authorship and institutional collaboration networks demonstrated that prominent scholars are organized into three major scientific clusters. Among them, researchers from Malaysia and the United States occupy central positions, reflecting their strong influence on the global Takaful research landscape. The analysis also indicated that international collaborations between universities and research centers, particularly those linking Malaysian and Western institutions, have played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of Takaful studies. These partnerships have enhanced the quality, diversity, and visibility of research outputs, fostering greater intellectual synergy and cross-cultural exchange in Islamic finance.
At the country level, the study identified seven regional and international clusters representing distinct patterns of inter-country collaboration. Malaysia, as the primary hub of Takaful research, continues to serve as a leading scientific pole that directs global scholarly efforts in this field. Conversely, Iran’s contribution, while growing, remains limited within the broader collaboration network. To strengthen its position, Iran needs to expand its research collaborations, build stronger academic partnerships, and engage in joint international projects to enhance its visibility and impact in the global Takaful research community.
Furthermore, the institutional network analysis highlighted that universities and academic centers in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan act as pivotal institutions for research development in Takaful. These institutions not only provide the infrastructure for advancing Islamic insurance studies but also promote the establishment of common scientific standards that encourage knowledge integration at a global scale. Expanding these collaborations to include more developing countries could further accelerate the dissemination of Islamic financial knowledge and foster innovation within the industry.
The co-citation analysis of Takaful research from 1983 to 2024 offered deeper insights into the intellectual evolution of the field. By examining the citation relationships between authors, the study identified the major intellectual currents and key contributors who have shaped the scholarly development of Takaful studies. Authors such as Yakob and Rubayah emerged as central nodes in the co-citation network, reflecting their pivotal roles in defining the conceptual and methodological frameworks that guide this research area. Their work has significantly contributed to establishing Takaful as a recognized and evolving academic discipline within the broader domain of Islamic finance.
Conclusion:
Overall, the findings indicate that Takaful is an emerging yet rapidly expanding academic field characterized by growing scholarly interest, increased publication output, and strengthened international collaboration. The continuous rise in publications over recent years signifies both theoretical and practical advancements in Islamic insurance and finance. However, to sustain and enhance this momentum, it is essential to strengthen research infrastructures, foster broader international cooperation, and support the development of underrepresented research clusters. Such efforts will not only improve the scientific standing of participating countries—especially Iran—but will also contribute to the global growth and institutionalization of the Takaful industry as a vital component of Islamic finance.