“The Oud in Islamic Contexts: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Its Historical, Cultural, and Spiritual Significanceâ€

The study of cultural and artistic expressions in Islamic history has often focused on architecture, calligraphy, and visual arts, while musical traditions such as the Oud remain relatively underexplored despite their deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. This gap has limited a comprehensive understanding of how music has shaped Islamic intellectual and cultural identity. To address this issue, the present study aims to investigate the significance of the Oud in Islamic contexts, with particular attention to its historical roots, cultural functions, and spiritual symbolism. A systematic review methodology was employed, drawing on scholarly sources from early Islamic history, hadith literature, and contemporary cultural analyses, alongside thematic organization through summaries, expanded summaries, concept maps, topic expert insights, and emerging themes. The findings reveal that the Oud holds a prominent role within Islamic heritage, functioning not only as a musical instrument but also as a symbolic medium of cultural expression and spiritual reflection. Historical sources highlight its relevance within early Islamic communities, while contemporary scholarship underscores its continued presence in intellectual, ceremonial, and artistic traditions. Topic experts emphasized the Oud’s role in cultural practices, philosophical thought, and spiritual cosmology, while emerging themes identified consistent interest in Islamic art, a rising engagement with cultural reinterpretations, and novel explorations of intellectual revival in modernity. The implications of this study are both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it contributes to broader discussions on Islamic cultural continuity, material heritage, and intellectual history. Practically, it suggests the value of preserving and revitalizing the Oud through digital tools, intercultural dialogue, and contemporary pedagogy. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that the Oud serves as a vital lens for understanding the intersections of history, spirituality, and cultural identity in Islam, offering new frameworks for engaging with Islamic heritage in both historical and modern contexts.