Types of Manuscript

Al-Hilal: Journal of Islamic Astronomy publishes scholarly manuscripts that advance the study of Islamic astronomy (‘ilm al-falak) and its intersections with Islamic law. The journal welcomes original contributions that integrate astronomical calculations, scientific observations, technological developments, religious practices, and legal analysis. Submissions may address theoretical, empirical, historical, analytical, or interdisciplinary perspectives, provided that they demonstrate academic rigor, methodological appropriateness, originality, and a clear contribution to the advancement of Islamic astronomy.

The journal considers the following types of manuscripts:

1. Empirical Research Articles

Original research based on systematic data collection and analysis, employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches. These articles may investigate astronomical observations, crescent moon visibility, Islamic prayer times, Qibla direction, calendar determination, or the application of astronomical methods in religious practice. Studies should present a clear research design, reliable evidence, appropriate analytical procedures, and findings that contribute to the development of Islamic astronomy and its related fields.

2. Theoretical and Conceptual Articles

Scholarly manuscripts that develop, examine, or critically evaluate theories, concepts, methodologies, and frameworks relevant to Islamic astronomy. Topics may include astronomical calculation (hisab), crescent moon sighting (rukyat), lunar calendar systems, criteria for determining the beginning of Islamic months, and the relationship between astronomical knowledge and Islamic legal principles. Such articles should demonstrate conceptual clarity, critical engagement with relevant literature, and a substantive contribution to scholarly discourse.

3. Historical and Textual Research Articles

Research examining the historical development of Islamic astronomy, classical astronomical literature, the contributions of Muslim astronomers, and the interpretation of astronomical concepts in the Qur'an, Hadith, and classical Islamic scholarship. Contributions may also explore the historical relationship between astronomical knowledge, Islamic jurisprudence, and religious practices across different periods and intellectual traditions. Manuscripts should employ appropriate historical, textual, philological, or interpretive methods.

4. Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Research Articles

Research integrating Islamic astronomy with Islamic law, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, history, or other relevant disciplines. Such studies may examine the social and legal implications of calendar determination, the negotiation of religious authority in astronomical practice, the use of digital technologies and computational models, or the integration of astronomical evidence into Islamic legal decision-making. Manuscripts should establish a clear connection to the journal's focus and demonstrate the added value of interdisciplinary engagement.

5. Review Articles

Critical and systematic examinations of existing scholarship on topics within Islamic astronomy and its intersection with Islamic law. These articles may synthesize developments in astronomical methods, evaluate competing approaches to crescent moon visibility and calendar determination, assess technological innovations in astronomical observation, or identify research gaps and emerging directions. Review articles should employ a transparent and appropriate review methodology, provide critical analysis rather than merely descriptive summaries, and offer meaningful contributions to future research.

All submissions must fall within the journal's focus and scope and comply with its author guidelines, publication ethics, and peer-review requirements. Manuscripts are evaluated based on their originality, scientific quality, methodological rigor, relevance, and contribution to the advancement of Islamic astronomy.