Journal Policies

Scope, Aim & Objectives

Scope

  • The Research Journal “ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH” seeks to publish articles that explore Islāmic Knowledge especially in the field of Ḥadīth & Sīrah Studies, and generally to Qur’ānic Studies, Sharī‘ah & Law, Comparative Religion Studies, Islāmic History, Ṣufīsm, Economics, Politics, Culture & Civilizations, Social Sciences and other disciplines with link to Islām.

Aim

  • ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH Research Journal of Islāmic Studies aims to promote innovative academic research on contemporary matters and convolutions of modern-day world in addition to the orthodox approach of research specially from the perspectives of Ḥadīth & Sīrah, while generally from any other accepted source of Islām.

Objectives

  • to publish quality research articles according to the scope and policies of journal.
  • to make those published research papers accessible to researchers worldwide with Online Journal System (OJS) platform.
  • to promote publication of analytical reviews on the latest books and other academic materials to enhance the research and give benefits to society.
  • to boost diversity, tolerance, and fruitful scholarly discussions without any ethnic, national, or religious discrimination.
  • to encourage advanced scholarly research on contemporary issues of the modern era.
  • to keep published work in the research journal “Ulum al-Sunnah” with the collaboration of best indexing and abstracting agencies from worldwide.

Ethical Guidelines

  • Ulūm al-Sunnah accepts well-written research papers of Ḥadīth & Sīrah Studies, and generally to Qur’ānic Studies, Sharī‘ah & Law, Comparative Religion Studies, Islāmic History, Ṣufīsm, Economics, Politics, Culture & Civilizations, Social Sciences and other disciplines with link to Islām.
  • The journal is operating through an automated journal management system to ensure a transparent double-blind peer review process as well as the confidentiality of the information.
  • Hence, all information about a submitted manuscript are kept confidential.
  • Such information are shared only with those involved in the evaluation, review, and publication processes.
  • Personal information of participant authors; e.g. identifiable personal details, images, and/or individual results, are kept confidential.
  • Corresponding author only will be kept in loop for all the decisions about research paper.
  • It is auther's responsibility that he/she should not submit a research article to more than one research journal at a time. They are only allowed to submit their research somewhere-else once received final regret from Ulūm al-Sunnah.
  • Controversial opinion/debate is strictly porhibited on Ulūm al-Sunnah's pages.
  • A well-documented research paper written in Urdu, English, or Arabic will be considered only.
  • For references, Chicago style of endnotes to be followed, and references other than English language to be transliterated according to the transliteration guidelines.
  • Articles to be submitted in MS Word format via OJS submission form only. Research articles submitted with any other means will not be considered.

Author Guidelines

This page provides the Author Guidelines in English. You can also read the guidelines in your preferred language using the links below:

Scope

The Research Journal “ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH” seeks to publish articles that explore Islāmic Knowledge especially in the field of Ḥadīth & Sīrah Studies, and generally to Qur’ānic Studies, Sharī‘ah & Law, Comparative Religion Studies, Islāmic History, Ṣufīsm, Economics, Politics, Culture & Civilizations, Social Sciences and other disciplines with link to Islām.

Authors Guidelines

“ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH” welcomes all the research papers having strong potential and significance to Islām. Therefore, the authors are requested to submit well-researched and original paper with a length of 5000–7000 words, including references. All the articles must be submitted online via OJS (Online Journal System) at link below:

https://journals.iub.edu.pk/index.php/uas/about/submissions

General Requirements

Manuscripts must be written in English/Urdu/Arabic. Type the manuscript in MS Word, A4 size (with 1.5” top, bottom, left and right margins). Use the following fonts and sizes while writing article:

English Articles: Times New Roman, (Font Size: 11 for Normal Text and 12 Bold for Main Headings, and 11 Bold for Sub-Headings)

Arabic Articles: Sakkal Majalla,

Urdu Articles: Jameel Noori Nastaleeq

For both Arabic & Urdu Articles Font Size must be 13 for Normal, 14 Bold for Main-Headings and 13 Bold for Sub-Headings.

Parts of Research Article:

The research paper intented for the submission in journal “ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH” must have the information numbered in this guide:

  1. Title Page

First page the of the article is denoted as the Title Page that contains: 1. the Topic of Research Article that must be donating the whole of theme of the study precisely and comprehensively, 2. Names of authors along-with their affiliation of university/institution, and further it needs to be comprised of:

  1. Abstract:

The abstract of the manuscript should be in the range of 150 (min) to 250 (max) words. The abstract must meet the given criteria: (a). Should be a single paragraph with continuous synchronized sentences. (b). No sub heading and bullets are allowed. (c). If any abbreviation is used, its definition is necessary at its first mention. (d). Abstract must clearly and briefly defines the problem, research methodology, and author’s contribution to approach the defined problem and outcomes of the research.

  1. Keywords:

Just after the Abstract 3-7 keywords are required related to the article, for indexing purpose. These keywords you will also have to add in keywords section during online research article submission.

  1. Introduction:

Research article would start with the breakup of “Introduction”. Which contains discussion on the problem, motivation, challenges and author contribution to this piece of work. Define the clear goals and objectives. The introduction should reveal some broad knowledge of the overall topic and quickly focus on the major point of the paper. This introduction section ought to be concise and followed with no sub heading unless necessary and may define the organization or outline of article.

  1. Background, History, Review-of Literature and Methodology:

This section would provide passable background/literature review to support the research piece.  If use any narration "It must be in closed quotation mark with font” along with the end-note reference.

Methodology section defines Problem statement, all the relevant and passable details of procedures, methods and tools adapted to meet the research objective and challenges. This section must maintain synchronization with upcoming sections of manuscript.

  1. Preparation of Figures and Tables

Authors are supposed to embed all figures and tables at appropriate place within manuscript. Figures and Tables should be numbered properly with descriptive title. Each Figure/Table must be explained within the text. Any unexplained or unnumbered Figure/Table may cause rejection of the paper without being reviewed.

  1. Argument, Critique or Discussion

The unbiased important points or claims of the research work that are defined earlier are discussed here. The discussion is required to be reasonable, precise, well-supported, posit and the interpretation of the research findings. Use extensive classical citation along with recent literature work.

  1. Research outcomes/ result/findings (If any)

Make sure this container is not for the discussion. Here the author must present its finding, data representations/comparison charts /comparative analysis. If the data is represented in table form, then it must be cross referenced.

  1. Conclusion

The conclusion section should in range of 250-450 words with running sentences. This section should not contain citation, cross-reference, subheading, point-list. The section must define: (a). Main outcome of the research work. (b). Research significance (importance of the research). (c). Relevance. (d). Limitation. (e). Application. (f). Recommendations.

  1. References

All references are required to be complete, accurate, authentic and primary (Journal, online books, proceedings, patents, authentic websites with permanent archival policy). Transliteration of all historical names and titles of non-English terminology has to be done by author according to ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH’s transliteration table. References should be inserted as Endnotes and numbered consecutively. All citations should follow the Chicago Manual of Style. The details of the style can be observed on www.chicagomanualofstyle.org. Like:

  1. Al-Qur’ān, 1: 5.
  2. Muhammad Ibn ‘Umar Al Rāzī, Mafātīḥ-ul-Ghayb, (Beirūt: Mu’assasat Al Risālah, 3rd Edition, 1420 H), Vol. 4, p. 122.
  3. Abū ‘Īsā Muhammad Ibn ‘Īsā Al-Tirmazī, Sunan Al-Tirmadhī, Kitāb Al-Ahkām ‘An Rasulillahﷺ, Bāb Mā Ja’a Fī Ann al-Bayyinatu ‘Alā Al-Mudda‘ī Wa Al-Yamīno ‘ala al-Mudda‘ā ‘Alayhe. Hadith No. 1261.
  4. Abdin Chande, “Symbolism and Allegory in the Qur’ān: Muhammad Asad’s Modernist Translation”, Islām and Christian-Muslim Relation, Vol. 15, (2004), pp. 79-80.

Important Note: Articles submitted other than Online Journal System (OJS) will not be entertained. The articles are blind peer reviewed by the experts before publication. However, the Editorial Board reserves the right to exclude the paper without showing cause. The decision of the Editorial Board will be exclusive for publication of the article. The research paper must comprise an original and unpublished work and must not be against the fundamentals and injunctions of Islām. It is expected that the research paper sent to “ULŪM-AL-SUNNAH” is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The article submitted for publication must be without plagiarism. The author has to submit article along with similarity index report and he/she will be legally responsible for any objection and legal proceedings in this regard. The Editorial Board does not necessarily agree with the views of the authors, and cannot be held responsible for any statement, comment or information.

Processing and Publication Fee

Ulūm al-Sunnah is an open-access journal, with all published articles freely available online immediately upon publication. Authors are charged a nominal fee of PKR 7,000 only upon acceptance of their manuscript. This fee covers formatting, copy-editing, typesetting, and online dissemination of the article.

Key points:

  1. Publication Fees:A one-time publication fee of PKR 7,000 is charged only for accepted manuscripts.
  2. No Submission Fees:Authors can submit manuscripts without any charges.
  3. No Article Processing Charges (APC):There is no cost for peer review, editorial handling, formatting, or typesetting.
  4. Free Access:All published articles are freely available online immediately upon publication through the journal website.

This policy ensures equitable access for all authors, regardless of institutional or financial resources. Authors from all backgrounds are encouraged to submit, and the fee ensures sustainable, high-quality publication.

Peer Review & Publication Process

Peer Review Policy

Ulūm al-Sunnah follows a double-blind peer review process to ensure high academic and ethical standards. Both authors’ and reviewers’ identities remain anonymous throughout the process.

  1. Initial Screening:Each submission is first reviewed by the Editorial Committee to confirm its relevance, originality, and adherence to the journal’s scope and guidelines.
  2. External Review:Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are sent to two independent national reviewers who are experts in the relevant field.
  3. Evaluation:Reviewers assess the paper’s academic quality, originality, research methodology, and contribution to Islamic knowledge.
  4. Decision:Based on reviewers’ feedback, the Editor-in-Chief decides whether to accept, revise, or reject the manuscript.

All reviews are conducted confidentially and objectively, with no conflict of interest. The journal strictly follows ethical standards of COPE and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.

Publication Workflow Process

Ulūm al-Sunnah follows a structured workflow to ensure timely, high-quality publication. The journal is biannual, publishing two regular issues each year: the first issue from January to June, and the second from July to December. Special issues may also be published with the approval of the Chief Editor.

Average manuscript processing timeline:
1. Desk/Editorial Review: 3–5 days
2. Double-blind Peer Review: 7–25 days by two independent national reviewers
3. Finalizing Copy and Publication: 3–5 days

All accepted articles are published online first as soon as the final version is ready, followed by inclusion in the next scheduled issue. The journal ensures timely and regular publication according to its announced schedule.

Plagiarism Policy

Ulūm al-Sunnah follows strict anti-plagiarism guidelines in line with the HEC Anti-Plagiarism Policy 2023. All submitted manuscripts must represent original work and properly acknowledge all sources, including text, ideas, graphics, tables, or figures.

Key Guidelines:

  1. Similarity Limits:
  • Overall similarity index must not exceed 19%.
  • Similarity from a single source must not exceed 5%.
  • Similarities in quotations, references, or common phrases may be excluded after verification.
  1. AI-Generated Content:
  • Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is allowed only for understanding or analyzing data, but cannot replace the author’s original work.
  • Any AI-generated text must be properly disclosed and attributed; copying AI-generated content without attribution is considered plagiarism.
  1. Self-Plagiarism:
  • Reusing parts of previously published work by the same author is allowed only if properly cited. Verbatim or paraphrased reuse without citation is considered plagiarism.
  1. Detection and Review:
  • Manuscripts are checked using electronic detection systems (EDS) such as Turnitin.
  • Similarity reports are interpreted by subject experts in context; high similarity or improper citation may lead to rejection or further investigation.
  1. Responsibility:
  • All authors are responsible for originality. Co-authors may be held partially accountable if they were aware of the plagiarism.
  • Manuscripts found plagiarized before or after publication will be subject to editorial action, including rejection, retraction, or reporting to institutions.
  1. Proper Citation:
  • All sources must be properly cited following accepted academic standards (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style).
  • Summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting must clearly acknowledge the original source.
  1. HEC Compliance:
  • Ulūm al-Sunnah aligns with HEC’s policy that plagiarism is a serious academic offense with potential disciplinary or legal consequences.

Authors are strongly advised to ensure originality and proper attribution in all submitted work.

Copyright Policy

Ulūm al-Sunnah is an open-access journal. All published content is freely available online for reading, downloading, copying, distributing, printing, searching, or linking to the full text, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Creative Commons license, without prior permission from the publisher or authors.

Authors retain the copyright of their articles and grant Ulūm al-Sunnah the right of first publication. All works are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).

This license permits others to share and adapt the material for non-commercial purposes, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and the journal, and any changes are clearly indicated.

No additional restrictions may be applied that limit others from using the material under the terms of this license.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Open Access Policy

Ulūm al-Sunnah is an open-access journal, meaning that all content is freely available online without charge to any user or institution. Users are permitted to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles in accordance with the terms of the applicable Creative Commons license, without prior permission from the publisher or the authors.

All articles are made available online immediately upon publication.

Non-commercial use and distribution in any medium are permitted, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and the journal, and any changes are clearly indicated, in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).

This Open Access Policy follows the principles and best practices of open access publishing as defined by the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).

Author Self-Archiving / Institutional Repository Policy

Ulūm al-Sunnah allows authors to deposit versions of their published work in institutional, subject-based, or other repositories of their choice. Authors may archive the final published PDF version, with proper citation to the journal, immediately after formal publication.

When depositing their work, authors must include the following statement:

“This article was originally published in Ulūm al-Sunnah, [Volume, Issue, Year], and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).”

All published works are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Archieve Policy

This journal utilizes the LOCKSS, and CLOCKSS systems to create a distributed archiving system among participating libraries and permits those libraries to create permanent archives of the journal for purposes of preservation and restoration.

Privacy Statement

The names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this journal and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party.