Peer Review Process
ELWAFA: Islamic Studies Journal applies a double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, originality, and academic integrity of every manuscript. In this process, the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process to maintain objectivity and impartiality.
Each manuscript submitted to the journal undergoes the following review process:
1. Manuscript Submission
Authors submit their manuscripts through the journal's Open Journal Systems (OJS). All submissions must comply with the journal's Author Guidelines and publication policies.
2. Initial Editorial Screening
The editorial team conducts a preliminary assessment to determine whether the manuscript fits the journal's focus and scope, follows the required formatting guidelines, and meets the minimum standards for scholarly quality. Manuscripts may also be screened using plagiarism detection software to ensure originality.
3. Editor-in-Chief Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief evaluates the manuscript for its originality, relevance, academic contribution, and overall suitability for publication. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal's standards may be rejected at this stage without external review.
4. Reviewer Assignment
Suitable manuscripts are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with expertise relevant to the manuscript's subject area. The journal employs a double-blind review system in which neither the reviewers nor the authors know each other's identities.
5. Peer Review
Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on its originality, methodology, significance, clarity, ethical standards, and contribution to the field of Islamic studies. They provide constructive comments and recommend one of the following decisions:
- Accept
- Minor Revision
- Major Revision
- Reject
6. Editorial Decision
The Editor-in-Chief considers the reviewers' recommendations before making a final editorial decision. If the reviewers' opinions differ substantially, an additional reviewer may be invited to provide an independent evaluation.
7. Revision by Authors
If revisions are requested, authors are required to revise their manuscripts according to the reviewers' comments and submit a revised version within the specified timeframe. The revised manuscript may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation when necessary.
8. Final Decision
After the revision process is completed, the Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of the manuscript. Accepted manuscripts proceed to copyediting, layout editing, proofreading, and final production.
9. Publication
Accepted articles are published online through the ELWAFA OJS platform and are made freely accessible to readers in accordance with the journal's open-access policy
