Editorial Process

At AL-WASAṬIYYAH, we are committed to publishing academically rigorous research that meets the highest ethical standards. Our editorial process ensures that all manuscripts undergo thorough conceptual, methodological, analytical, statistical, and ethical evaluations.

Below is a step-by-step overview of the editorial process, from manuscript submission to publication.

Stage 1: Initial Quality Check
Upon submission of your manuscript, we will first verify that it complies with the journal's editorial and publishing policies. This includes checks on authorship, competing interests, ethics approval, and plagiarism.

  • The submitted article is acknowledged within a month.
  • The dates of acceptance and publication will be recorded and communicated to the author.

Stage 2: Editorial Board Member Evaluation
After passing the initial quality check, the manuscript is assigned to an Editorial Board member who is an active researcher in the relevant field. If deemed suitable for peer review, they will select two or more reviewers based on expertise. Authors may suggest reviewers, but the final decision rests with the Board.

Stage 3: Double-Blind Peer Review
AL-WASAṬIYYAH follows a double-blind peer review policy, ensuring that:

  • Reviewers and authors remain anonymous to each other.
  • Reviewers evaluate the manuscript for:
    • Academic rigor
    • Validity of research methods
    • Strength of analysis and interpretation
    • Ethical considerations
  • Reviewers submit detailed reports to the Editorial Board.
  • Authors receive these reports along with publication terms and conditions.

Stage 4: Editorial Decision
Based on reviewer feedback, the following decisions may be made:

  • Accepted without changes: Moves to proofreading and publication.
  • Accepted with minor changes: Authors must revise and resubmit.
  • Accepted with major changes: Authors must revise and resubmit.
  • Rejected: Manuscript is not suitable for publication.

We aim to communicate an initial decision within approximately 50 days of submission.

If Revisions Are Requested

  • Authors are given a deadline and should submit their revised manuscript via email to bsalsowaidi@ipsa-edu.org
  • A point-by-point response to all reviewer comments is required.
  • The revised manuscript may be reviewed again by the same or new reviewers.
  • Typically, a few revision rounds are required before final acceptance.

Final Proofreading & Publication
Once accepted, the manuscript proceeds through the final editorial stages:

  • Proofreading: Authors review the final MS Word file. Only corrections to the title, author list, or factual details are allowed.
  • Online First Publication: The accepted manuscript is published online before print, and the author is notified with a download link.
  • Print Publication: The final journal issue is published in print within one month of the online release.

If We Reject Your Manuscript
If your manuscript is rejected, it is because the Editorial Board has determined it is unsuitable even after revision. However, if you believe the decision was based on reviewer bias or factual error, you may appeal:

  • Only one appeal per manuscript is allowed.
  • Appeals are reviewed after regular editorial work and may take several weeks.
  • If a serious error is identified, the manuscript may be reconsidered and re-reviewed.

AL-WASAṬIYYAH ensures that every manuscript follows a systematic review and publication process to maintain academic integrity and excellence. We appreciate authors’ cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.