Purpose This study aims to map the intellectual landscape of waqf research through a hybrid review, analyzing publication trends, identifying core thematic clusters and synthesizing key findings and research gaps. Design/methodology/approach This study used Scopus database to analyze 607 articles on waqf published between 1914 and 2025 to identify publication trends using a bibliometric approach. To conduct a more concentrated systematic literature review, a sample of 66 articles was chosen using stricter criteria. Findings Findings indicate a steady rise in waqf publications since 2010, with Malaysia and Indonesia as leading contributors. Five key themes were identified: Productive Waqf for Socio-Economic Development, Innovative Financing in Waqf, Accountability in Waqf Management for Sustainable Development, Historical and Legal Perspective on Waqf and Cash Waqf in Islamic Finance. Strong governance, legal clarity and institutional support are crucial for maximizing waqf’s impact, alongside a supportive ecosystem and sustained inquiry into cash waqf. Originality/value This study integrates a hybrid review of waqf literature and provides future research directions, along with practical recommendations for the government and practitioners on each theme, to optimize waqf comprehensively.
Shofiatin et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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