Reviewer Guidelines

The Journal of Islamic Studies relies on a rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality and academic integrity of the research it publishes. As a reviewer, your expertise and critical assessment are essential in maintaining the high standard of the journal. The following guidelines are intended to help reviewers provide constructive, unbiased, and transparent feedback on submitted manuscripts.

1. General Expectations

• Confidentiality: Reviewers are expected to treat the manuscript as confidential. Do not disclose any part of the manuscript to others, nor discuss it with colleagues or the public, without the permission of the editorial team.

• Objectivity and Impartiality: Reviews should be based solely on the scientific quality, originality, and relevance of the manuscript. Personal biases, conflicts of interest, or subjective preferences should not influence the review process.

• Timeliness: Reviewers should complete their review within the agreed-upon timeframe, typically 2-4 weeks. If you are unable to meet the deadline, please inform the editorial team as soon as possible to avoid delays in the process.

• Transparency and Honesty: Reviewers must be honest in their assessments and provide clear reasons for their recommendations. If you believe a manuscript contains errors or ethical concerns (such as plagiarism), these must be clearly highlighted.

2. Key Areas of Review

Reviewers are asked to provide feedback on several key aspects of the manuscript. These include:

A. Originality and Contribution

• Novelty: Does the manuscript present new and original ideas or findings? Does it contribute significantly to the field of Islamic Studies?

• Research Gap: Does the manuscript address a gap in the existing literature? Is the research question well-defined and relevant to current trends in Islamic Studies?

B. Structure and Organization

• Clarity: Is the manuscript well-structured and easy to follow? Are the sections (e.g., Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion) clearly defined and logically organized?

• Coherence: Does the paper flow logically from one section to another? Are the arguments well-supported and clearly articulated?

• Abstract and Conclusion: Does the abstract provide a concise summary of the paper? Does the conclusion effectively summarize the key findings and discuss their implications?

C. Methodology

• Appropriateness of Methodology: Are the research design and methods appropriate for the research question? Are the methods clearly explained and justified?

• Data Collection and Analysis: Are the data collection methods sound and the data analysis procedures clear? Are the results presented in a clear and accurate manner?

• Ethical Considerations: Has the author followed ethical guidelines in conducting the research, especially in terms of human or animal subjects (if applicable)? Are ethical approvals (e.g., institutional review board approval) mentioned, if necessary?

D. Literature Review

• Relevance and Thoroughness: Does the literature review cover relevant and up-to-date research in the field? Are key studies and theories adequately discussed and critiqued?

• Connection to Research: Does the literature review provide a strong foundation for the research question and objectives of the study?

E. Writing Quality

• Language and Clarity: Is the manuscript written clearly and concisely? Are there any issues with grammar, punctuation, or spelling that need attention?

• Technical Terms and Jargon: Are technical terms and jargon explained for readers who may not be specialists in the specific area of Islamic Studies?

F. References and Citations

• Citations: Are all relevant sources cited appropriately within the manuscript? Are in-text citations and the reference list formatted according to the journal's Harvard referencing style?

• Proper Attribution: Are sources properly attributed? Is there any potential plagiarism or failure to appropriately cite prior work?

G. Significance and Implications

• Implications of the Findings: Does the manuscript clearly discuss the significance of the findings for the field of Islamic Studies? Are the implications of the research well-explored?

• Future Research: Does the paper suggest areas for future research or limitations in the current study? Does it provide insights for further development in the field?

3. Ethical Considerations

• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest before accepting a manuscript for review. This includes personal relationships with the author(s), financial interests, or other factors that may compromise impartiality.

• Plagiarism: If you suspect any plagiarism or unethical research practices, please report it to the editorial team. This includes duplicate publication or data fabrication.

• Bias: Reviewers should avoid bias towards particular authors, institutions, or research traditions. Assess the manuscript on its academic merit alone.

• Confidentiality of Review: Do not share the content of the manuscript with anyone else or use the ideas presented in the manuscript for personal or professional advantage.

4. Reviewer's Report

Reviewers are required to submit a confidential report to the editorial team. The report should include the following elements:

A. Overall Recommendation

• Accept as is: The manuscript is suitable for publication with no significant revisions required.

• Minor revisions: The manuscript requires small revisions before it can be accepted.

• Major revisions: The manuscript requires significant changes, and the decision to accept or reject depends on the completion of these revisions.

• Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication due to major issues such as lack of originality, poor methodology, or failure to meet academic standards.

B. Summary of Key Comments

• Provide a clear summary of your main findings and concerns. Highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript.

C. Specific Comments for the Author(s)

• Offer detailed, constructive feedback to help the author improve the manuscript. This could include suggestions for improving clarity, methodology, or the overall argument. Be respectful and professional in your tone.

D. Specific Comments for the Editor

• If relevant, note any concerns that the editor should be aware of, such as ethical issues, lack of originality, or issues with data presentation. These comments are kept confidential and will help guide the editor’s decision-making.

5. Return of Manuscript

• Reviewers are asked to return the completed review within the agreed timeframe. If for any reason, you are unable to complete the review, please inform the editorial office as soon as possible so that the manuscript can be reassigned to another reviewer.

6. Benefits of Reviewing

• Academic Recognition: Reviewers are acknowledged for their contribution in the journal’s acknowledgments section, and their names are included in the journal’s list of reviewers.

• Professional Development: Reviewing manuscripts provides the opportunity to stay current with research trends in your field and to engage with the latest work in Islamic Studies.

• Contribution to the Scholarly Community: Reviewers help ensure the quality of the journal’s content and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Islamic Studies.

7. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns during the review process, please contact the editorial office at:

• Email: [Insert journal email address]

• Website: [Insert journal website link]

By following these guidelines, reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the journal’s commitment to high-quality academic publishing, ensuring the integrity of the peer review process, and helping the authors refine their work for publication. Thank you for your valuable contribution to the Journal of Islamic Studies.