PEER REVIEW POLICY

AFKAR: Journal of ʿAqidah and Islamic Thought employs a double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, integrity, and academic rigor of all published manuscripts. All submissions are first subjected to an initial screening by the Editor to assess their relevance to the journal’s aims and scope, originality, and adherence to editorial standards.

Manuscripts that pass the preliminary assessment are subsequently reviewed by at least two independent expert reviewers with relevant subject expertise. Reviewers evaluate submissions based on scholarly merit, methodological soundness, clarity of argument, and contribution to the field. Their reports and recommendations inform the editorial decision-making process.

Based on the reviewers’ evaluations, the Editors may reach one of the following decisions: accept, accept with minor revisions, accept with major revisions, or reject. Constructive and anonymized reviewer comments are communicated to the authors to support transparency and scholarly improvement.

The peer review process is conducted in strict confidence, and the identities of both authors and reviewers are protected throughout all stages of review. The average duration of the review process is approximately four to six months from the date of submission. Final publication decisions rest with the Editors, who act independently in accordance with the journal’s editorial policies and ethical standards.