A bibliometric review of takaful literature

Abstract Takaful (Islamic Insurance) achieved only recently a significant volume of academic research, despite its importance in addressing the insurance needs of Islamic societies and economies. We provide a thorough analysis of existing contributions on Takaful through a meta-literature methodology encompassing both a bibliometric (quantitative) and content (qualitative) analysis. By reviewing 69 articles, we aim at providing a rigorous background for the Islamic finance industry, its societies and economies, academic research and policymakers. We identify and review three leading research streams on Takaful: its overview, growth paths and models; governance mechanisms; products/services and customer perception. We also identify the leading academic institutions, countries, journals, as well as authors, co-authorship networks and their position within these streams. Finally, we derive and summarize 16 leading future research questions.