Allegation of research misconduct

Research misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, citation manipulation, and other serious violations of research and publication ethics during the planning, conduct, review, or reporting of research. IQRO: Journal of Islamic Education is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record in Islamic education and related fields.

The editorial team and Editorial Board handle allegations of research misconduct in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policy and relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All allegations are assessed fairly, confidentially, and objectively, with due consideration for the rights of the authors and other parties involved.

1. Initial Assessment of Allegations

Upon receiving an allegation of research misconduct, the editorial team conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the allegation is sufficiently credible, specific, and relevant to research or publication ethics. The assessment may include reviewing the submitted evidence, examining the manuscript or published article, checking for potential conflicts of interest, and determining whether further investigation is warranted.

Allegations may be raised by readers, reviewers, authors, institutions, or other concerned parties. The identity of the complainant will be treated confidentially to the extent possible and consistent with a fair investigation.

2. Investigation of Suspected Misconduct

If the initial assessment indicates a potentially serious violation, the editorial office will contact the corresponding author and request a written explanation and relevant supporting evidence on behalf of the authors. The authors will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Where necessary, the editors may consult independent experts, statistical reviewers, or other qualified specialists to assess the evidence. The journal may also contact the authors' affiliated institutions or other relevant authorities when institutional investigation is required.

The editorial team will evaluate the available evidence and responses before determining the appropriate course of action. The journal will not treat an allegation as proof of misconduct without an appropriate assessment.

3. Actions for Manuscripts Under Review

If credible evidence establishes that a manuscript contains fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, citation manipulation, or other serious ethical violations, the journal may reject the manuscript.

Where the evidence remains inconclusive, the editorial team may request clarification, additional documentation, or further analysis before making a decision. Editorial decisions will be based on the seriousness of the concern, the available evidence, and the journal's publication ethics standards.

4. Actions for Published Articles

If research misconduct is identified in a published article, IQRO: Journal of Islamic Education will take appropriate action to protect the integrity of the scholarly record. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, the journal may:

• Publish a correction when the issue involves an error that can be rectified without invalidating the overall findings.

• Publish an expression of concern when substantial concerns remain unresolved while further investigation is ongoing.

• Retract the article when the evidence demonstrates that the findings or publication are unreliable or that serious research or publication misconduct has occurred.

Corrections, expressions of concern, and retraction notices will clearly identify the affected article and explain the reason for the editorial action, subject to applicable confidentiality and legal requirements. Retraction notices will be linked to the original article to ensure transparency and preserve the publication record.

5. Minor Errors and Honest Mistakes

Not every error constitutes research misconduct. If an investigation determines that the issue results from an honest mistake, an unintentional error, or a correctable methodological or reporting problem, the journal will consider an appropriate response.

Depending on the circumstances, the editorial team may request clarification, additional analyses, supplementary information, or publication of a correction. The response will be proportionate to the nature and impact of the error.

6. Institutional Cooperation

Authors are expected to cooperate with investigations into suspected research misconduct and to provide accurate explanations and relevant supporting documentation when requested.

When allegations require formal investigation beyond the journal's authority, IQRO may refer the matter to the authors' affiliated institutions or other appropriate bodies. The journal may request information about the outcome of an institutional investigation where relevant to its editorial decisions.

Cooperation among authors, editors, reviewers, publishers, and institutions is essential to ensuring that allegations are handled fairly and that the scholarly record remains reliable.

7. Confidentiality and Editorial Independence

All allegations and related communications will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible. Information will be shared only with individuals or institutions who need it to assess or investigate the matter, subject to applicable legal and ethical obligations.

The editorial team will assess allegations independently and without discrimination or improper influence. Any relevant conflicts of interest involving individuals responsible for assessing an allegation must be disclosed and appropriately managed.

8. Commitment to Research Integrity

IQRO: Journal of Islamic Education is committed to upholding responsible research practices, fair editorial procedures, and the integrity of published scholarship. The journal will take appropriate action when credible evidence indicates research or publication misconduct, while ensuring that allegations are evaluated carefully and that authors have a reasonable opportunity to respond.

Through transparent procedures, appropriate corrections, and cooperation with relevant institutions, the journal seeks to preserve trust in scholarly communication and safeguard the accuracy and reliability of the academic record.