Editorial Policy and Governance

The Riphah Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization (RJITC) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial quality, transparency, accountability, and research integrity. The journal's editorial governance ensures that all editorial decisions are made fairly, independently, and in accordance with internationally recognized principles of scholarly publishing.

Editorial Governance

RJITC is published by the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan. The journal is managed through a clearly defined editorial structure comprising the Patron-in-Chief, Patron, Editor-in-Chief, Editor, Associate Editors, Editorial Board, Editorial Assistant, and Technical Assistant, each performing distinct responsibilities to ensure the quality and integrity of the publication process.

Editorial Responsibilities

  • The Editor-in-Chief provides strategic academic leadership and oversees the journal's editorial quality and policies.
  • The Editor is responsible for the day-to-day editorial management of the journal, including manuscript processing, reviewer appointments, editorial decisions, and ensuring compliance with publication ethics.
  • The Associate Editors conduct the initial academic assessment of submissions, recommend suitable reviewers, evaluate reviewer reports, and advise the Editor on editorial decisions.
  • The Editorial Board supports the journal by providing academic advice, promoting the journal, recommending qualified reviewers, and contributing to its scholarly development.
  • The Editorial Office manages manuscript submissions, communication with authors and reviewers, production, and publication.

Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are made independently and solely on the basis of the manuscript's scholarly merit, originality, relevance to the journal's scope, and compliance with ethical standards. The Patron-in-Chief, Patron, publisher, or any external individual or organization shall not influence editorial decisions.

Editorial Decision-Making

All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening followed by a double-blind peer review process where applicable. Editorial decisions are based on reviewers' recommendations, the assessment of the Associate Editors, and the judgment of the Editor. The Editor is responsible for the final decision regarding the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts.

Confidentiality

Editors and editorial staff maintain the confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts and related communications. Information obtained during the editorial and peer review process is not disclosed to anyone other than those directly involved in the publication process.

Conflict of Interest

Editors and editorial staff must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest and refrain from handling manuscripts where such conflicts may compromise impartiality. In such cases, the manuscript will be assigned to another qualified editor.