Review Process

The peer review process is one of the publication's most essential and fundamental components. 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, the Journal of Islamic and Religious Studies follows peer review guidelines of HEC in true letter and spirit to meet annual funding requirements. All papers submitted to the Journal of Islamic and Religious 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 appropriately formatted and follows publication ethics. The board member would also consider whether basic research protocols have been observed in research design/analysis and contribution to the literature. Papers not meeting the basic requirements are not sent out for external review.

External Review (National & International)

Journal of Islamic and Religious Studies follows a double-blind review process after a paper is screened through the internal review. Team JIRS asks the author not to include their personal information in the text of the article. If authors display personal information, another file is uploaded after the removal of the author’s information and sent to reviewers. Authors/s is further indicated not to post their papers on any website to prevent their identity to the potential reviewers. In contrast, 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.
Three reviewers, one local and two international are referred to the article through the online portal of JIRS, ensuring that the epapericle is referred to a reviewer with specialization in the relevant field. 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. A reminder is sent if the reviewer fails to comply with the timeline.
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 significant flaws that cannot be resolved through a major revision, they can recommend declining the paper.

Suggesting Reviewers

Following the HEC guidelines in letter and spirit, authors submitting their research papers to the Journal of Islamic and Religious Studies are not allowed to suggest potential reviewers review their research papers.

Criteria for Selection of Reviewers

Reviewers are selected carefully based on the following criteria:
1. Must hold a Ph.D. degree or advanced professional qualification with extensive professional/academic experience.
2. Recognized expert in the field (having publications in reputable academic or professional research journals)
3. Not affiliated with the institution of author(s)
4. Should have a good understanding of data analysis

Steps in Peer Review Process

The peer review process can be broadly described as follows:

Sr#

Steps of Review Process

Estimated Time

1

Submission of paper

-

2

First internal / desk review *

3-4 weeks

3

External review

4-5 weeks

4

Sharing of review reports to authors for minor/major revision **

1 week

5

Submission of the revised paper

3-4 weeks

6

Second internal review (to assess whether reviewers’ suggestions have been incorporated satisfactorily) ***

2-4 weeks

7

Acceptance of paper (on successful submission of revised paper)

1 week

8

Submission of Publication Charges

1 week

9

Publication of Issue (Online & Print)

Last week of every June & December

* Paper is returned to authors if it does not meet the essential criteria
** Paper is returned to authors if external reviewers find that the research paper has such serious faults that cannot be resolved through a major revision
*** Authors are requested for further modification if editors find that reviewers’ suggestions have not been incorporated satisfactorily
Note: Authors are asked to revise the paper carefully by the reviewers’ recommendations to avoid unnecessary delay in the review process.

Resubmission of paper (after peer review)

Nearly every published paper goes through at least one revision. Authors are directed to carefully revise the paper by the reviewers’ suggestions to avoid unnecessary interruption in the review process. The revised paper and the reply/response to the review report should be submitted within two weeks. Author(s) should be conscientious regarding the accuracy and completeness of 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).

Appeal/Complaint Process

The Editorial Board of JIRS is committed to providing quality editorial services to its contributors and believes in building and maintaining trust and respect for all contributors, readers, and practitioners. Journal of Islamic and Religious Studies believes in improving its services by responding to appeals and rectifying its mistakes against:
a) Objection to publications causing harm to any party
b) Infringing ethical boundaries in any manner and
c) Rejection of research paper
Authors/readers can submit their appeals directly to the Editor at editor.jirs@uoh.edu.pk. The appeal must provide detailed justification (harm, ethical issues, or response to editor/reviewer comments). The Editor would look after the matter independently and forward it to some appropriate JIRS editorial board member. Finally, after going through the whole complaint/justification, the board member can recommend acceptance of the appeal, further review, or uphold the original decision (if any).

Language Editing

Authors' primary responsibility is 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.