History of Karachi Islamicus

Originating from a circle of scholarly discussions in Karachi, Karachi Islamicus was envisioned as a platform for advancing intellectual dialogue and critical research in Islamic Studies. It was founded by academics and researchers with diverse backgrounds in theology, Islamic law, economics, philosophy, and social sciences—united by a shared mission to explore the intersections between classical Islamic scholarship and the realities of the modern world. What began as a modest academic initiative has evolved into a respected international journal, making significant contributions to the ongoing development of contemporary Islamic thought.

The title Karachi Islamicus reflects both a geographical and intellectual identity: Karachi—Pakistan’s vibrant academic and cultural hub—and Islamicus—a term signifying dedication to Islamic knowledge, ethics, and scholarship. The journal aspires to serve as an academic bridge between traditional Islamic sciences and modern research methodologies, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to understand Islam’s role in addressing contemporary social, legal, and ethical challenges.

Published by the Meta Analysis and Research Syndicate, Karachi Islamicus is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal devoted to promoting high-quality research in Islamic Studies, Islamic Law, Economics, Sufism, Philosophy, Comparative Religion, and related contemporary disciplines. The founding objective of the journal was to provide an independent, credible platform for Muslim scholars and thinkers to engage in critical inquiry, grounded in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the intellectual traditions of Islam, while dialoguing with modern sciences and global academic thought.

Since its first issue in 2021, Karachi Islamicus has consistently published five manuscripts per issue, maintaining high academic standards through a rigorous double-blind peer review process. This selective publication approach ensures scholarly depth, originality, and relevance. The journal encourages submissions that contribute fresh insights, comparative perspectives, and critical interpretations within the broader framework of Islamic thought and practice.

To ensure global accessibility and readership, Karachi Islamicus publishes all titles, abstracts, and keywords in English, while full-text articles are also in English. The journal’s consistent biannual publication schedule—June and December—has enabled it to establish a strong international presence and attract authors from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

Over time, Karachi Islamicus has successfully expanded its reach, attracting contributions from Turkey, India, Thailand, Nigeria, the United States, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. This diverse authorship reflects the journal’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and global conversation on Islamic intellectual traditions and their relevance to modern societies.

The journal’s credibility and visibility are strengthened by its inclusion in several major indexing and abstracting databases. Karachi Islamicus is currently indexed in:

  • OpenAlex

  • WorldCat

  • Open Archives

  • Sherpa Romeo

  • The Keepers Registry (ISSN)

  • CrossRef

  • Asian Indexing

  • Google Scholar

  • Dimensions

  • Public Knowledge Project (PKP) PLN

  • Scilit

  • Open Ukrainian Citation Index (OUCI)

  • Georgian International Academy of Sciences

These indexations signify the journal’s commitment to maintaining transparency, academic reliability, and open access for global audiences. Furthermore, Karachi Islamicus is applying for inclusion in EBSCO and DOAJ, marking the next phase of its international academic recognition.

By 2023, Karachi Islamicus had already established itself as a reputable international journal for original and analytical research in Islamic Studies. The topics covered include Islamic jurisprudence and reform, the philosophy of law, modern Muslim thought, Islamic economics and finance, interfaith dialogue, ethics, and the role of Islam in addressing global challenges such as technology, social justice, and sustainability.

Today, Karachi Islamicus stands as a leading academic forum in South Asia, promoting dialogue between traditional and contemporary scholarship and contributing to the evolving understanding of Islam in the 21st century. Through its commitment to scholarly integrity, rigorous peer review, and global collaboration, it continues to shape academic conversations in Islamic thought and modern intellectual discourse.