Peer Review Policy & Process

Peer Review Policy & Process

International Thaqafah practices a two-stage peer review process to ensure the academic rigor and integrity of the published research.

Stage 1: Initial Editorial Review All submissions will undergo an initial editorial review (also known as Desk Review or Screening Review) handled by the Chief Editor or an appointed editorial team member. This stage determines whether the manuscript is suitable for peer review (Stage 2) or should be rejected.

Furthermore, quantitative research papers will be reviewed by an editor or expert with statistical expertise before proceeding to peer review. The initial editorial review usually takes 30 working days, although this period may be extended for complex papers or during peak submission periods.

At this stage, submissions are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Level 1 Screening

  • Manuscripts should be related to ISLAMIC STUDIES

  • Manuscripts should be aligned with the aims and scope of the journal.

  • Submissions should comply with the word limit guidelines.

  • The file format should be appropriate (not image-based files such as JPG).

Manuscripts that fail to meet the Level 1 criteria may be rejected outright, or authors may be given the opportunity to make improvements and resubmit.

Level 2 Screening

  • Significant typographical or grammatical errors.

  • Engagement with current literature (should include references within the last 10 years).

  • The research should demonstrate rigor and scholarly contribution.

  • Clearly defined research questions.

  • Conceptual framework or theoretical foundation supporting the study.

  • Methodology aligned with the theory/research questions.

  • Appropriate data collection and analysis methods.

  • No introduction of new data in the conclusion.

  • Contribution to the scholarship of ISLAMIC STUDIES

Level 2 submissions will undergo a review by a second editor, who will decide whether the manuscript qualifies to advance to the peer review stage.

Stage 2: Peer Review If the paper passes the editorial screening, an associate editor will be assigned to manage the peer review process. At this stage, the manuscript will be reviewed by at least one independent reviewer who has expertise relevant to the focus of the study.

International Thaqafah utilizes a double-blind peer review process, in which:

  • Authors do not know the identity of the reviewers.

  • Reviewers do not know the identity or institutional affiliations of the authors.

Authors should ensure all identifying information (such as self-citations or institutional affiliations) is removed prior to submission. Identifying details can be reinstated after acceptance.

Manuscripts are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Contribution in advancing knowledge in ISLAMIC STUDIES)

  • Critical engagement with relevant literature.

  • Clarity of research aims and significance.

  • Justification of appropriate research methodology.

  • Quality of empirical data, analysis, and interpretation.

  • Inclusion of implications for research, theory, practice, or policy.

  • Quality of writing, structure, clarity of expression, and adherence to the format and reference style of the International Thaqafah Journal guidelines

Review Timeline and Decisions If the manuscript proceeds to peer review, authors will typically receive peer review feedback within four months after submission.

  • Manuscripts accepted without amendments may receive an acceptance notification at this stage.

  • The majority of submissions require amendments and resubmission prior to final acceptance.

  • Some papers will undergo an additional round of peer review after amendments are made.

  • On average, the entire process from submission to publication takes nine months.

  • Accepted papers may require format adjustments, including modifications to figures or tables, to ensure high-quality publication.

The editorial team and reviewers are committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and constructive review process. Authors are encouraged to respect the voluntary contributions of the editors and reviewers, who dedicate their time and expertise to maintain the quality of International Thaqafah.