Language and Transliteration

Research Journal Al-Qamar accepts scholarly manuscripts written in English, Urdu, and Arabic. The journal is committed to maintaining high standards of academic language, clarity of expression, accurate terminology, and consistent transliteration. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts are written in a clear, formal, and research-oriented style suitable for academic publication.

Language and transliteration are important parts of scholarly writing because they affect the readability, accuracy, credibility, and international accessibility of research. A manuscript with weak language, inconsistent terminology, or careless transliteration may be returned to the author for correction before editorial review or peer review.

Accepted Languages

Research Journal Al-Qamar accepts manuscripts in the following languages:

  1. English
  2. Urdu
  3. Arabic

The language of the manuscript should be appropriate to the subject, audience, and academic nature of the research. Authors should ensure that the selected language is used consistently throughout the manuscript.

The journal may also consider articles that include quotations, technical terms, religious texts, classical references, or source material in Arabic, Urdu, Persian, or other relevant languages, provided that these are properly cited, translated, and explained where necessary.

Academic Language Requirement

All manuscripts must be written in formal academic language. Authors should avoid casual expressions, journalistic tone, emotional statements, unsupported claims, and non-scholarly wording.

A good academic manuscript should be:

  1. Clear in expression
  2. Logical in argument
  3. Balanced in tone
  4. Accurate in terminology
  5. Grammatically correct
  6. Free from unnecessary repetition
  7. Properly structured
  8. Respectful in scholarly criticism
  9. Consistent in style
  10. Suitable for an academic readership

The journal reserves the right to return manuscripts that require substantial language improvement.

English Language Guidelines

Manuscripts submitted in English should be written in standard academic English. Authors should ensure correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraph organization, and academic vocabulary.

Authors should avoid:

  1. Informal expressions
  2. Overly emotional language
  3. Unsupported generalizations
  4. Very long and unclear sentences
  5. Poorly translated expressions
  6. Inconsistent terminology
  7. Repetition of the same idea
  8. Ambiguous pronouns or references
  9. Unclear research claims
  10. Non-academic abbreviations

Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to have their manuscripts reviewed by a competent language editor before submission.

Urdu Language Guidelines

Manuscripts submitted in Urdu should be written in clear, formal, and academic Urdu. The language should reflect scholarly seriousness and should avoid unnecessary colloquial expressions.

Authors should ensure:

  1. Correct spelling and grammar
  2. Proper sentence structure
  3. Consistent use of academic terminology
  4. Clear paragraph organization
  5. Proper punctuation
  6. Accurate use of Arabic and Persian terms
  7. Respectful expression in religious and scholarly discussion
  8. Proper citation of Urdu and Arabic sources
  9. Accurate translation of non-Urdu passages
  10. Consistent formatting throughout the manuscript

Urdu manuscripts should avoid excessive use of informal style, rhetorical exaggeration, and unsupported religious or historical claims.

Arabic Language Guidelines

Manuscripts submitted in Arabic should be written in standard academic Arabic. Authors must ensure linguistic accuracy, proper grammar, correct use of terminology, and clarity of scholarly argument.

Arabic manuscripts should observe:

  1. Correct grammar and syntax
  2. Proper use of classical and modern academic Arabic
  3. Accurate Qur’anic and Hadith quotations
  4. Correct citation of classical Arabic sources
  5. Consistent terminology
  6. Clear structure of argument
  7. Appropriate scholarly tone
  8. Proper punctuation and paragraphing
  9. Accurate references and footnotes
  10. Careful use of diacritical marks where necessary

The journal may return Arabic manuscripts that contain serious grammatical, stylistic, or typographical errors.

Language Quality and Editorial Review

Language quality is considered during the initial editorial screening. A manuscript may be returned to the author before peer review if the language is unclear, poorly translated, grammatically weak, or not suitable for academic publication.

The editorial office may request language revision when:

  1. The argument is difficult to understand.
  2. Sentences are grammatically incorrect.
  3. Translation is weak or misleading.
  4. Technical terms are used inconsistently.
  5. The style is too informal or rhetorical.
  6. Religious or academic terminology is inaccurate.
  7. The manuscript contains excessive typographical errors.
  8. Quotations are not translated or explained where needed.

Language improvement does not guarantee acceptance. The manuscript must also meet the journal’s academic, ethical, and peer review standards.

Translation of Quotations

Authors may quote sources in Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, or other relevant languages. However, quotations should be handled carefully and accurately.

Where a quotation is not in the main language of the article, authors should provide a translation if necessary for readers. For example, an English article containing an Arabic or Urdu quotation should normally provide an English translation.

Authors should clearly mention whether the translation is their own or taken from a published translation.

Example:

Translation by the author.

or

Translated by [Translator’s Name].

Translations must be faithful to the original meaning. Authors should not change, exaggerate, or distort the sense of the original text.

Use of Qur’anic Verses

Qur’anic verses must be quoted accurately. Authors should carefully check the Arabic text, translation, Surah name, Surah number, and verse number.

A Qur’anic reference should normally be given in this form:

Al-Baqarah 2:286

If a published translation of the Qur’an is used, the translator’s name should be mentioned where required. If the author provides his or her own translation, this should be clearly indicated.

Authors should avoid partial quotation of Qur’anic verses in a way that changes or distorts the meaning.

Use of Hadith Texts

Hadith texts must be quoted and referenced with great care. Authors should provide accurate wording, translation, and reference details.

A Hadith reference should normally include:

  1. Name of Hadith collection
  2. Book or chapter, where applicable
  3. Hadith number, where available
  4. Volume and page number, where required
  5. Publisher or edition details, where relevant

Authors should verify Hadith wording and numbering from reliable editions. Careless citation or inaccurate translation of Hadith may result in revision or rejection.

Transliteration Policy

Transliteration is the system of representing words from one script in another script. In English-language manuscripts, Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and other non-Roman terms should be transliterated consistently.

Research Journal Al-Qamar does not require unnecessary complexity in transliteration, but it expects authors to use a clear, accurate, and consistent system throughout the manuscript.

Transliteration is especially important for:

  1. Arabic terms
  2. Qur’anic terminology
  3. Hadith terminology
  4. Names of classical scholars
  5. Titles of classical books
  6. Technical terms in Islamic sciences
  7. Urdu and Persian words
  8. Historical places and institutions
  9. Legal and theological concepts
  10. Sufi terms and intellectual traditions

Consistency in Transliteration

Authors must use one transliteration style consistently throughout the manuscript. The same word should not appear in different forms without reason.

For example, authors should not write the same term in multiple ways, such as:

  1. Shariah, Shari‘ah, Sharia
  2. Hadith, Hadees, Hadis
  3. Quran, Qur’an, Qurʾān
  4. Tafsir, Tafseer, Tafsīr

A consistent academic form should be selected and used throughout the article.

Recommended simplified forms may include:

  1. Qur’an
  2. Hadith
  3. Sunnah
  4. Shari‘ah
  5. Fiqh
  6. Usul al-Fiqh
  7. Tafsir
  8. Seerah
  9. Ijtihad
  10. Ijma‘
  11. Qiyas
  12. Kalam
  13. Sufism
  14. Tasawwuf
  15. Ummah
  16. ‘Ulama
  17. Madrasah
  18. Fatwa
  19. Waqf
  20. Zakat

Use of Diacritical Marks

The journal allows the use of diacritical marks where they are necessary for accuracy, especially in technical, Arabic, Qur’anic, Hadith, legal, linguistic, or classical studies.

However, authors should avoid inconsistent or excessive use of diacritics. If diacritical marks are used, they must be used carefully and consistently.

For example:

  1. Qur’ān
  2. Ḥadīth
  3. Sharī‘ah
  4. Uṣūl al-Fiqh
  5. Tafsīr
  6. Sīrah
  7. Ijmā‘
  8. Qiyās
  9. Ḥanafī
  10. Mālikī

Authors may use simplified transliteration for common terms, but specialized studies should maintain greater accuracy.

Common Islamic Terms

Common Islamic terms that are widely recognized in English academic writing may be written in simplified form. Authors should choose a consistent style.

Examples:

  1. Islam
  2. Muslim
  3. Qur’an
  4. Hadith
  5. Sunnah
  6. Shari‘ah
  7. Fiqh
  8. Tafsir
  9. Seerah
  10. Ijtihad
  11. Jihad
  12. Fatwa
  13. Zakat
  14. Hajj
  15. Ummah

These terms do not always require full diacritical marking unless the nature of the article requires technical precision.

Names of Scholars and Historical Figures

Names of scholars, jurists, theologians, philosophers, Sufis, historians, and other historical figures should be written accurately and consistently.

Examples:

  1. Abu Hanifah
  2. Imam Malik
  3. Al-Shafi‘i
  4. Ahmad ibn Hanbal
  5. Al-Ghazali
  6. Ibn Taymiyyah
  7. Ibn Khaldun
  8. Shah Wali Allah
  9. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
  10. Muhammad Iqbal

If an author uses a more technical transliteration form, it should be applied consistently throughout the manuscript.

Titles of Classical Works

Titles of classical Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and Islamic works should be written carefully. Authors should provide transliteration and, where necessary, translation of the title.

Example:

Al-Muwafaqat fi Usul al-Shari‘ah
or
Al-Muwāfaqāt fī Uṣūl al-Sharī‘ah

If the manuscript is written for an international readership, authors may also provide an English translation of the title in parentheses.

Example:

Al-Muwafaqat fi Usul al-Shari‘ah (The Reconciliations in the Principles of Islamic Law)

Arabic and Urdu Text in Manuscripts

Arabic and Urdu text should be typed clearly and accurately. Authors should avoid submitting scanned images of text unless absolutely necessary.

Authors should ensure that:

  1. Arabic and Urdu text is readable.
  2. The correct font is used.
  3. Diacritical marks are accurate where used.
  4. Qur’anic verses are carefully checked.
  5. Hadith texts are verified.
  6. Poetry is properly arranged.
  7. Long quotations are formatted clearly.
  8. Translation is provided where necessary.
  9. References are complete.
  10. There are no typographical errors in sacred or classical texts.

Recommended Fonts

Authors should use standard and readable fonts.

For English manuscripts:

  1. Times New Roman
  2. Font size normally 12 pt
  3. Line spacing 1.5

For Urdu manuscripts:

  1. Jameel Noori Nastaleeq
  2. Alvi Nastaleeq
  3. Font size normally 14 pt

For Arabic manuscripts:

  1. Traditional Arabic
  2. Times New Roman
  3. Arabic Typesetting
  4. Font size normally 14 pt

The editorial office may adjust fonts and formatting during production according to journal style.

Technical Terms

Technical terms must be used carefully and consistently. Authors should avoid changing terms without explanation.

For example, in Islamic legal studies, terms such as ijtihad, qiyas, ijma‘, maslahah, maqasid al-Shari‘ah, fatwa, and hukm should be used with precision.

In theology and philosophy, terms such as kalam, falsafah, tawhid, nubuwwah, ‘aql, naql, and ta’wil should be explained where necessary.

In Sufi studies, terms such as tasawwuf, tariqah, ma‘rifah, dhikr, fana’, and baqa’ should be used accurately.

Glossary of Terms

For manuscripts containing many technical Arabic, Urdu, Persian, or specialized terms, authors may include a short glossary. This is especially useful when the article is intended for an international or interdisciplinary readership.

A glossary may include:

  1. Original term
  2. Transliteration
  3. Brief meaning
  4. Context of use

The glossary should be concise and should not replace proper explanation within the article.

Abbreviations and Honorifics

Authors should use abbreviations carefully. Common academic abbreviations may be used, but they should be explained on first use where necessary.

Religious honorifics should be used respectfully and consistently. Authors should avoid excessive repetition of honorifics in a way that affects academic flow. The journal may standardize honorifics during editing according to its publication style.

For example:

  1. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
  2. Companions of the Prophet
  3. Imam Abu Hanifah
  4. Imam al-Ghazali

The use of honorifics should remain respectful, balanced, and suitable for academic writing.

Avoiding Polemical Language

Research Journal Al-Qamar encourages respectful academic debate. Authors may critically examine ideas, interpretations, arguments, or historical positions, but they must avoid insulting, sectarian, hateful, or inflammatory language.

Authors should avoid:

  1. Personal attacks
  2. Sectarian insults
  3. Disrespectful references to religious figures
  4. Derogatory language for communities
  5. Emotional accusations
  6. Unverified claims
  7. Excessive polemics
  8. Non-academic criticism

Scholarly disagreement should be expressed with evidence, balance, and respectful language.

Language Editing Before Submission

Authors are encouraged to proofread and edit their manuscripts carefully before submission. A manuscript with strong research but weak language may still be delayed because unclear language makes peer review difficult.

Before submission, authors should check:

  1. Grammar
  2. Spelling
  3. Punctuation
  4. Sentence clarity
  5. Paragraph structure
  6. Academic tone
  7. Transliteration consistency
  8. Citation accuracy
  9. Quotations and translations
  10. Formatting of Arabic, Urdu, and English text

Editorial Corrections

The journal may make minor editorial corrections to improve language, formatting, transliteration, punctuation, and presentation. However, major language revision remains the responsibility of the author.

The journal may request the author to revise the manuscript if:

  1. The language is unclear.
  2. The translation is inaccurate.
  3. Transliteration is inconsistent.
  4. Technical terms are confusing.
  5. Arabic or Urdu text contains errors.
  6. The manuscript does not meet academic language standards.

Use of AI and Language Tools

Authors may use AI tools, grammar checkers, translation software, or language-editing tools only for limited assistance, such as improving grammar, spelling, formatting, or readability.

However, authors remain fully responsible for:

  1. Accuracy of content
  2. Accuracy of translation
  3. Accuracy of religious texts
  4. Accuracy of transliteration
  5. Correct use of terminology
  6. Integrity of quotations
  7. Originality of argument
  8. Ethical compliance

AI-generated translation or transliteration should not be accepted without careful human verification, especially for Qur’anic verses, Hadith texts, classical Arabic passages, and technical Islamic terms.

Final Author Responsibility

By submitting a manuscript to Research Journal Al-Qamar, authors confirm that the language, translation, transliteration, quotations, religious texts, technical terms, and references have been carefully checked.

Authors also confirm that the manuscript is written in a clear academic style and that all Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, and other language materials have been used accurately and responsibly.

Journal Commitment

Research Journal Al-Qamar is committed to publishing research that is not only academically valuable but also linguistically clear, properly translated, and professionally presented. The journal expects authors to maintain high standards of language and transliteration so that published research remains accurate, readable, credible, and accessible to national and international readers.