Mapping Islamic parenting research on children and families: A bibliometric review

Abstract

Islamic parenting encompasses not only childrearing practices but also the transmission of moral, spiritual, and societal values grounded in faith. Although scholarly interest in this topic has grown, existing research remains fragmented across educational, sociological, and cultural domains, with limited consolidation of its conceptual development over time. This study maps the intellectual structure, thematic patterns, and global evolution of Islamic parenting research from 2015 to 2025. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we combined bibliometric techniques with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and analysed 630 Scopus-indexed documents through Biblioshiny (R-package). The analysis examined publication trends, leading authors and institutions, national productivity, highly cited works, and keyword co-occurrence networks. Findings show a steady rise in publications, with Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United States emerging as major contributors. Co-occurrence mapping identified four dominant clusters: Islamic moral parenting, religion and integration, family and education, and Muslim youth identity. Thematic evolution indicates a shift from traditional moral–legal orientations toward more integrative perspectives that link Islamic values with psychology, education, and migration studies. This study synthesises insights from both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority contexts, providing a cross-cultural understanding of how Islamic parenting is conceptualised and adapted. By offering a consolidated evidence-based framework, the study advances theoretical clarity and supports policymakers, educators, and family institutions in strengthening value-oriented parenting practices.