Global Research Trends in the Application of Neuroimaging Modalities on Quranic Research: A Bibliometric Analysis (2009–2023)

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis aims to identify publications from 2009 to 2023 on the Holy Quran that employed neuromodalities (referred herein as “neuroQuran”). Researchers increasingly use neuromodalities to understand how the brain engages with the Holy Quran during recitation, listening, and memorization. Recognizing the current research status and gaps in neuroQuran studies is crucial for planning future investigations in this field. The Scopus database search was performed using the related keywords. NeuroQuran-related publications were retrieved from the Scopus database from 2009 to 2023. Bibliometric analyses were performed using Harzing’s Publish or Perish, Microsoft Excel, and VOS viewer software. Thirty-two documents from the Scopus database were retrieved and analyzed to answer the research questions. The highest number of publications was published in 2022, with 6 publications. Malaysia has published the most neuroQuran research, with a total of 20 publications. Keyword analysis revealed that Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most common topic examined in neuroQuran research. EEG is also the most popular neuromodalities tool in neuroQuran research, followed by Event-Related Potential (ERP) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This was based on nine selected journal articles published in the last five years (2019-2023). In conclusion, this bibliometric analysis highlights the increasing trend in neuroQuran research from 2009 to 2023, with EEG emerging as the most commonly used neuromodality, and Malaysia leading in publication output, underscoring the growing interest and potential for further exploration in this niche field. These study findings can guide future research efforts, hence offering a foundation for the potential use of the Holy Quran in complementary psychospiritual therapy.