MABAHITS AL-UQUD: REVIEW PROCESS

The peer review process is a vital part of our editorial workflow at Mabahits Al-Uqud. It helps the editor make well-informed decisions and provides authors with constructive feedback to improve the quality of their manuscripts. Here's how the review process works in our journal:

1. INITIAL EVALUATION

• The process begins with a preliminary review by the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor.
• During this phase, the editor ensures that the manuscript fits within the journal's focus and scope.
• A plagiarism check using Turnitin is also performed; if the similarity index is above 25%, the manuscript will be returned to the author for revision (For further details, refer to our Plagiarism Screening Policy).
• This stage also involves prioritizing manuscripts, such as those resulting from international research collaborations or other high-priority topics identified by the editorial board.

2. ASSIGNMENT TO ASSOCIATE EDITOR

• If the manuscript passes the initial evaluation, it is assigned to an associate editor or a member of the editorial advisory board for a more detailed review.
• The manuscript is assessed for its quality and relevance across various aspects.
• The assigned editor provides feedback, suggestions, and critiques to the author and makes an initial decision on the manuscript.
• While the editor can give extensive feedback, the Editor-in-Chief typically recommends up to three revisions (not including peer review-based revisions) before making a final decision.
• Manuscripts that clear this stage move on to a double-blind peer review.

3. DOUBLE-BLIND PEER REVIEW

• The editor then collaborates with one to three expert reviewers who assess the manuscript independently and anonymously.
• The reviewers focus on evaluating the manuscript's originality, methodology, and contribution.
• Based on the feedback received, the editor may request revisions from the author or reject the manuscript.

4. EDITORIAL DECISION

• After the peer review is completed, the editor decides whether to accept or reject the manuscript.
• This decision is based on the reviewers' comments, any revisions made by the author, and overall editorial considerations.

5. COPYEDITING

• The copyediting stage aims to refine the manuscript's structure, clarity, grammar, language, and formatting.
• This stage offers the last opportunity for authors to make significant changes to the content, as the subsequent stages focus primarily on minor corrections and formatting.
• The editor will suggest edits using Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature during initial copyediting.
• Once these edits are made, the manuscript is returned to the author for review and further revisions.
• The Copyeditor will then conduct a final review to prepare the manuscript for layout.
• An Associate Editor or Editorial Assistant typically handles the copyediting role.

6. LAYOUT AND FORMATTING

• In this stage, the editor and editorial assistant work closely with the author to format the manuscript according to the journal's layout guidelines.
• Once the layout is complete, the manuscript proceeds to the proofreading stage.

7. PROOFREADING

• The proofreading stage is intended to catch any remaining errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting in the final manuscript.
• Unless discussed with the Associate Editor, major changes are not allowed at this point.
• If any corrections are needed, authors should use the Proofreading Corrections box to specify errors and suggest changes.
• After proofreading, the manuscript is finalized for publication.

8. PUBLICATION AND OPEN ACCESS

• Once proofreading is complete and the final PDF is prepared, the manuscript will be published in Mabahits Al-Uqud.
• The manuscript will be available as Open Access, allowing free access to all readers.

Notes:

• This thorough peer review process is designed to uphold the quality, integrity, and transparency of our publication process.
• The Editorial Board strongly opposes any actions or pressures that might disrupt the peer review process or harm the journal, editors, reviewers, authors, or other related parties.
• Throughout the peer review process, editorial board members are supported by Editorial Assistants.