GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS/GUIDELINES
Manuscripts must be written in English/Urdu/Arabic. Type the manuscript in MS Word, A4 size (with 2” top, bottom, left, and right margins). Use the following fonts and sizes while writing the 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 a Research Article
The research paper intended for submission to Al-Naẓāʾir: Journal of Modern Religious Discourses (NJMRD) must include the following components as outlined in this guide:
1. Title Page: The first page of the article should be the Title Page, which must include:
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The title of the research article clearly reflecting the central theme of the study in a concise and comprehensive manner.
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The name(s) of the author(s) along with their institutional affiliations (university or research institution).
2. Abstract: The abstract should range between 150 to 250 words and meet the following criteria:
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The abstract should clearly and briefly outline the research problem, methodology, author’s contribution, and key findings.
3. Keywords: Following the abstract, include 3 to 7 relevant keywords for indexing purposes. These keywords should also be entered in the designated section during the online submission process.
4. Introduction: The article must begin with an Introduction, discussing the research problem, motivation, challenges, and the author's contribution. It should also define the goals and objectives of the study. The introduction should demonstrate a broad understanding of the topic and quickly narrow down to the main focus. Keep this section concise and without subheadings, unless necessary. It may also include a brief overview of the article's structure.
5. Background, Literature Review, and Methodology: This section should provide sufficient background and a review of relevant literature to support the research. Any quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and properly referenced as end-notes. The Methodology should include:
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A clear problem statement
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Detailed explanation of the procedures, methods, and tools used to achieve the research objectives
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This section should maintain logical flow with the following sections of the paper.
6. Figures and Tables: Authors must insert all figures and tables at appropriate places within the manuscript. Each figure/table should be:
Unexplained or unnumbered figures or tables may result in the rejection of the paper without review.
7. Argument, Critique or Discussion: This section presents an unbiased discussion of the key points or claims previously outlined in the research. The discussion should be logical, concise, well-supported, and should offer interpretations of the research findings. Authors are encouraged to use extensive classical references along with recent scholarly work.
8. Research Outcomes / Results / Findings (If any): This section should strictly present the findings, not discussion. Authors must include data representation, comparison charts, or analytical comparisons. If using tables, ensure they are cross-referenced in the text.
9. Conclusion: The conclusion should be between 250–450 words, written in continuous, flowing sentences. It must not include citations, cross-references, subheadings, or bullet points. This section should clearly present:
10. References: All references must be complete, accurate, authentic, and based on primary sources such as journals, books, conference proceedings, patents, or credible websites with a permanent archival policy. Authors must follow the transliteration format approved by Al-Naẓāʾir: Journal of Modern Religious Discourses for all historical names and non-English terms.
References should be inserted as endnotes and numbered consecutively, following the Chicago Manual of Style. For reference style guidelines, visit www.chicagomanualofstyle.org.
Examples:
- Al-Qur’ān, Surah al-Baqarah, Verse : 256
- Chande, Abdin. (2004). Symbolism and allegory in the Qur’ān: Muhammad asad’s modernist translation, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, (Vol. 15) , (pp. 79–80).
- Al-Tirmidhī, Abū ‘Īsā. M. Ibn ‘Īsā. (n.d.). Kitāb Al-Aḥkām ‘An Rasūlillāh ﷺ, Bāb Mā Jā’a Fī Ann al-Bayyinatu ‘Alā Al-Mudda‘ī Wa Al-Yamīn ‘Ala Al-Mudda‘ā ‘Alayh, Sunan Al-Tirmadhī. (Ḥadīth No. 1261).
- Al-Suyūṭī, Jalāl Al-Dīn. (1420 A.H.). Al-Itqān fī ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān. (2nd Ed.). Cairo: Dār al-Ḥadīth. (p. 91).
- Al-Rāzī, M. Ibn ‘Umar. (1420 A.H.). Mafātīḥ-ul-Ghayb. (3rd Ed.). Beirūt: Mu’assasat Al-Risālah. (Vol. 4), (p. 122).