Purpose This article examines the convergence between Islamic finance and sustainable finance, two ethical financial paradigms grounded in social justice, environmental responsibility and inclusive development. While both frameworks emphasise financial inclusion, risk-sharing, and long-term sustainability, existing scholarship remains fragmented, with limited analysis of how these frameworks intersect, complement or diverge. This study addresses this gap by conducting the first integrated bibliometric–textometric PRISMA-based systematic literature review to map thematic linkages, convergence pathways and emerging research directions. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a PRISMA-based systematic literature review using Scopus-indexed studies from 2010 to 2024. The PRISMA protocol governs corpus identification, screening, eligibility assessment and inclusion decisions to ensure transparency and replicability. It combines bibliometric mapping (VOSviewer) and textometric analysis (IRaMuTeQ) as post-selection analytical procedures applied to the validated corpus to identify co-citation networks, keyword clusters, thematic structures and conceptual associations. Findings The results reveal a sharp rise in academic interest since 2018, driven by green sukuk developments, waqf-based instruments and increasing alignment with ESG principles. More than four-fifths of the reviewed publications were produced during the post-2018 period, indicating a structural acceleration rather than incremental growth. Research activity is geographically concentrated in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, which constrains the external validity and global generalisability of existing findings. However, the field remains fragmented, with limited empirical validation of Islamic finance tools in supporting sustainability outcomes and uneven geographical representation. Three dominant thematic streams emerge: instrument-based pathways (green sukuk, waqf, zakat), governance and standard-setting dynamics, and broader Shariah–ESG convergence logics. Research limitations/implications The review is limited by its reliance on Scopus and English-language publications, which may exclude regional perspectives. Future studies should adopt multi-database and multilingual approaches to broaden coverage. Expanding empirical testing of proposed frameworks and extending research to underrepresented regions such as Africa and Eastern Europe would enhance generalisability. Practical implications The findings support the development of Shariah-aligned ESG indicators, green and sustainability sukuk frameworks, and ethical FinTech applications for waqf and zakat. Policymakers can leverage these insights to harmonise Islamic finance regulations with global sustainability standards and strengthen cross-sectoral collaborations. Social implications The convergence of Islamic finance and sustainable finance can advance inclusive development, reduce inequalities and foster ethical investment aligned with the sustainable development goals. The study highlights its potential to empower underserved populations and support socially responsible financial ecosystems, especially in developing countries seeking value-congruent financing models. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of Islamic finance and sustainable finance through a clearly hierarchised PRISMA-governed framework that distinguishes the systematic review design from its computational analytical layers. It clarifies conceptual intersections, highlights emerging research streams, and offers both a structured future-research matrix (themes × methods × regions) and a phased roadmap moving from conceptual consolidation to empirical validation and institutional integration. It also identifies clear future research priorities, including the development of unified Shariah–ESG frameworks, deeper empirical testing of Islamic finance instruments applied to sustainability objectives, and expanded geographical inquiry beyond current regional concentrations.
Taji et al. (Wed,) studied this question.