Review Process
Review Process
The peer-review process is one of the most important and fundamental components of the publication process. The credibility and reputation of a journal mainly depend on the integrity of the peer-review process and the trust of authors.
Being an HEC recognized/accredited journal, “Al-Duhaa” follows peer review guidelines of HEC in true letter and spirit. All papers submitted to “Al-Duhaa” (Journal of Islamic Studies) undergo a rigorous internal and external review by experts in the relevant area of interest:
Internal/Desk Review
Each paper goes through an internal / desk review by a relevant editorial board member to determine whether it is properly formatted and follows the publication ethics. The board member would also consider whether basic protocols of research have been followed in research design / analysis and contribution to the literature. Papers that do not meet the basic requirements are not sent out for external review.
External Review
“Al-Duhaa” (Journal of Islamic Studies) follows a double-blind review process after a paper is screened through the internal review. Authors are requested not to include their personal information in the text of the paper. If the personal information is displayed by authors, another file is uploaded after removal of the author’s information and sent to reviewers. Authors/s are further indicated not to post their papers on any website to prevent their identity to the potential reviewers. While reviewers are also expected to refuse if they come to know about the identification of the author(s) of a paper referred to them for peer review.
A reviewer proforma is also attached with each review request which helps the reviewer in the review process. Each reviewer is given a timeline of 4 – 5 weeks for review. If the reviewer fails to comply with the timeline, a reminder is sent.
External reviewers generally comment and suggest originality, quality of presentation, research design, data/results/conclusions, the usefulness of the study, and interest to the researcher's community. During an external review, if reviewers find that the research paper has major flaws that cannot be resolved through a major revision, they can recommend declining the paper.
Resubmission of paper (after peer review)
Nearly every published paper goes through at least one revision. Authors are directed to revise the paper carefully in accordance with the reviewers’ suggestions to avoid needless interruption in the review process. Revised paper along with reply/response to review report should be submitted within two weeks. Author(s) should be very careful regarding accuracy and completeness in accordance with the reviewers’ suggested points, to avoid further review and delay (further revision can be recommended if editors find that reviewers’ suggestions have not been incorporated satisfactorily).
Language Editing
It is the basic responsibility of authors to ensure that their research papers should be free from spelling, typing, grammar, and syntax errors. Authors whose native language is not English/Arabic/Urdu must get their research paper edited by an English/Arabic/Urdu language expert.
