Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to Islamic Sustainable Finance and Fintech (ISFIN) undergo a double-blind peer review by at least two independent expert reviewers.

  • Review type: Double-blind peer review
  • Minimum reviewers: 2 reviewers per manuscript
  • Review stages: Two stages (editorial screening, then expert review)
  • Plagiarism check: Applied to every manuscript before review
  • Estimated duration: 6 to 12 weeks, depending on reviewer response
  • Decision authority: Editor-in-Chief and assigned section editor

The Editor-in-Chief assigns each manuscript to the managing editor or section editors. The managing editor invites at least two qualified scholars to review the manuscript. All manuscripts are subject to double-blind peer review, in which both reviewer and author identities are concealed throughout the process. ISFIN publishes only articles that have been reviewed and approved by qualified researchers with expertise in the relevant field of Islamic banking and finance.

ISFIN applies a two-stage process. After the technical check, the submission is first reviewed by the editorial team for publication suitability. If suitable, it is then assigned to an editor who handles the review and decision process. The assigned editor identifies and contacts two reviewers who are acknowledged experts in the field. Because peer review is a voluntary service, the process may take time, and the editor sends regular reminders when reviewers do not respond promptly. During this stage, the manuscript status appears as "Under Review," and changes to "Required Reviews Complete" once the minimum number of expert reviews has been received.

The editor on duty may also determine that a manuscript does not meet the journal's criteria or scope and should not be considered further. In this case, the editor notifies the author that the manuscript has been rejected and may recommend a more suitable journal. Editors retain the option of seeking additional reviews when needed.

Review Workflow

01. Manuscript submission  The author submits the manuscript through the OJS portal.

02. Technical and editorial check  The managing editor and editors check scope, format, and ethical compliance.

03. Plagiarism screening and editorial decision  A plagiarism check is applied; the editor may directly accept, reject, or assign the manuscript to reviewers.

04. Reviewer assessment  At least two expert reviewers evaluate the manuscript under double-blind conditions.

05. Editorial notification  The editor notifies the author of acceptance, revision request, or rejection based on reviewer comments.

06. Revision and resubmission  The author revises the manuscript and resubmits within the stipulated time.

07. Final acceptance  When reviewers are satisfied with the revision, the editor issues an acceptance notification.

08. Galley proof and publication  The author reviews the galley proof, and the article is published in the assigned issue.

Steps 1 to 5 constitute one round of the peer review process.

Editorial Decision Types

  • Accepted as is: The journal publishes the paper in its original form.
  • Accepted with minor revisions: The author makes small corrections within the stipulated time.
  • Accepted with major revisions: The author makes the changes suggested by reviewers or editors.
  • Resubmit: Conditional rejection; the paper is reconsidered after major changes.
  • Rejected: Outright rejection; the paper is not published or reconsidered.