Reviewer Guide

Peer Review Process

KJISE: Kiswah Journal of Islamic Studies and Education follows a double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, objectivity, and integrity of the published research. This process involves the following stages:

1. Submission and Initial Screening

  • Authors submit their manuscripts through the journal’s online submission system or via email.
  • The editorial team conducts an initial screening to check for basic formatting, plagiarism, scope relevance, and compliance with submission guidelines.
  • Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria are either rejected or returned to the authors for revision.

2. Assignment to Reviewers

  • Once a manuscript passes the initial screening, the editor assigns it to two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field.
  • The double-blind review process ensures that:
    • Authors' identities are concealed from reviewers.
    • Reviewers' identities are concealed from authors.
  • This process eliminates bias and ensures fair evaluation.

3. Review Process

  • Reviewers assess the manuscript based on the following criteria:
    • Originality and significance of the research
    • Clarity and coherence of the argumentation
    • Methodological soundness and data accuracy
    • Relevance to Islamic studies and education
    • Adherence to academic writing standards
  • Reviewers provide constructive feedback and recommend one of the following outcomes:
    1. Accept as is (minor or no revisions needed)
    2. Accept with minor revisions (authors must make minor corrections)
    3. Revise and resubmit (substantial revisions required, followed by re-evaluation)
    4. Reject (not suitable for publication)

4. Revision and Resubmission

  • If revisions are required, the manuscript is sent back to the author with detailed reviewer comments.
  • The author must submit a revised version along with a response letter, explaining how they addressed the reviewers’ feedback.
  • The revised manuscript may undergo a second round of review if necessary.

5. Editorial Decision

  • The final decision is made by the editor-in-chief, based on reviewers’ recommendations and the quality of revisions.
  • Possible editorial decisions include:
    • Accepted for publication
    • Accepted with further minor revisions
    • Rejected due to unsatisfactory revisions

6. Copyediting and Publication

  • Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting, formatting, and proofreading to ensure clarity and adherence to journal guidelines.
  • Authors are given the opportunity to review the final version before publication.
  • The final article is published in the latest issue of KJISE and made available online as an open-access publication.

7. Ethical Considerations in the Review Process

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat manuscripts as confidential documents.
  • Objectivity: Personal criticism is inappropriate; reviews should be constructive and academic.
  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must declare any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves if necessary.
  • Plagiarism and Misconduct: Reviewers should notify the editor if they detect plagiarism, falsification, or ethical violations.