Peer Review Process

Al’Adalah: Journal of Islamic Studies applies a double-anonymous peer review process to ensure the academic quality, originality, and integrity of published research. Manuscripts that pass the initial editorial screening undergo evaluation by at least two qualified reviewers with expertise relevant to the subject and research approach.

 

1. Initial Editorial Screening

The editorial team conducts an initial screening to determine whether the manuscript falls within the journal's Focus and Scope and meets its academic, ethical, and technical requirements. The screening considers the relevance of the research problem, engagement with existing scholarship, originality, methodological or analytical clarity, and potential scholarly contribution. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be declined without external peer review. Authors are informed of the editorial decision through the journal's submission system.

 

2. Reviewer Selection

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two qualified reviewers selected according to their expertise and independence. Reviewers should have relevant knowledge of the manuscript's subject, research approach, and disciplinary context. Reviewers must disclose potential conflicts of interest and decline assignments when such conflicts could compromise their independence or impartiality.

 

3. Double-Anonymous Peer Review

Al’Adalah follows a double-anonymous review process in which the identities of authors and reviewers are concealed from one another. Authors must remove identifying information from manuscripts submitted for review, and reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of all materials received. Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on their academic merit, including the significance of the research problem, originality, theoretical or conceptual engagement, methodological rigor, quality of evidence and analysis, and contribution to relevant scholarship.

 

4. Editorial Evaluation and Decision

After receiving the reviewers' reports, the handling editor examines their recommendations and supporting arguments. Editorial decisions may include acceptance, revision, or rejection, depending on the manuscript's quality and the concerns raised during review. When reviewers offer substantially different recommendations, the editor may seek clarification, request an additional review, or evaluate the competing assessments before making a decision. The Editor-in-Chief holds final responsibility for publication decisions, considering the reviewers' reports, the manuscript's academic merit, and the journal's editorial policies.

 

5. Revision and Reassessment

When revisions are requested, authors should address the reviewers' comments and submit a revised manuscript accompanied by a response explaining the changes made. The editor examines the revised manuscript and may return it to the original reviewers or invite further assessment when necessary. A request for revision does not guarantee acceptance.

 

6. Confidentiality and Publication Ethics

Editors and reviewers must treat submitted manuscripts as confidential scholarly materials. They must evaluate manuscripts objectively, avoid inappropriate use of unpublished research, and disclose any circumstances that could compromise impartiality. Manuscripts submitted by members of the editorial team or individuals with potential conflicts of interest must be handled independently by editors and reviewers without relevant conflicts. The journal follows its Publication Ethics Policy and applicable COPE guidance when addressing suspected research or publication misconduct.

 

7. Final Acceptance and Publication

Manuscripts are accepted only after the editorial team has determined that they meet the journal's academic and ethical standards. Accepted manuscripts proceed to copyediting, layout preparation, proofreading, and publication according to the journal's publishing schedule. Editorial decisions are based on scholarly merit and are independent of Article Processing Charge (APC) payments or waiver arrangements.