Retraction and Correction

Al’Adalah: Journal of Islamic Studies is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or concerns about research integrity may arise during editorial evaluation or after publication. The journal addresses such matters in accordance with its Publication Ethics policy and relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Editorial actions are determined by the nature of the concern, the available evidence, and its implications for the reliability of the scholarly work.

 

1. Article Retractions

Retraction may be necessary when the findings, interpretations, or conclusions of a published article are seriously unreliable or when substantial violations of research or publication integrity compromise the scholarly record. Grounds for retraction may include:

a. Major errors that invalidate essential findings or conclusions.

b. Fabrication, falsification, or serious misrepresentation of research evidence.

c. Substantial plagiarism or redundant publication.

d. Serious breaches of research ethics.

e. Compromised peer review or manipulation of the publication process.

f. Other substantiated circumstances that materially undermine the reliability or integrity of the published article.

Retraction may result from honest error or research misconduct. Its primary purpose is to inform readers and correct the scholarly record. The Editor-in-Chief, or an authorized independent editor where a conflict of interest exists, is responsible for determining whether retraction is warranted. The editorial team will examine the available evidence, seek clarification from relevant parties when appropriate, and provide the authors with a reasonable opportunity to respond. Retraction notices will clearly identify the affected article, explain the reasons for retraction, and remain freely accessible. The original article will normally remain available with a prominent retraction notice and links connecting the article and the notice.

 

2. Article Corrections

The journal may issue a correction when a published article contains an error that requires a formal amendment but does not fundamentally undermine the reliability of its principal findings or arguments. Corrections may concern factual information, data presentation, citations, author information, methodological descriptions, or other material affecting the accuracy or interpretation of an article. Where appropriate, the journal may distinguish between an erratum (an error introduced during publication), a corrigendum (an error originating from the authors), and an addendum (additional information necessary to clarify the published work). The editorial team will assess the significance of the error and determine the appropriate corrective action. Minor typographical errors that do not affect the meaning, interpretation, or bibliographic accuracy of an article may not require a formal correction notice. Substantive corrections will be documented transparently and linked to the original publication.

 

3. Expressions of Concern

The journal may issue an Expression of Concern when substantial questions arise about the integrity or reliability of a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to support a definitive correction or retraction. An Expression of Concern may be appropriate when an investigation is ongoing, when relevant information cannot yet be obtained, or when the outcome of an investigation remains inconclusive. The notice will describe the concerns as accurately and fairly as possible without presenting unverified allegations as established findings. When sufficient information becomes available, the editorial team will determine whether a correction, retraction, further notice, or no additional action is appropriate. The journal will update the publication record to explain the outcome.

 

4. Manuscript Withdrawal Before Publication

Authors who wish to withdraw a manuscript before publication must submit a request to the editorial office through the journal's submission system or official communication channel. The request should identify the manuscript and provide a brief explanation. Where there are multiple authors, the corresponding author should confirm that all co-authors have been informed and agree to the withdrawal. The editorial team will process withdrawal requests in accordance with the journal's submission procedures and may seek clarification when unresolved authorship, ethical, or publication concerns are involved. Once withdrawal is confirmed, editorial consideration will cease. The journal may retain confidential submission records as necessary for administrative accountability and research integrity. Al’Adalah: Journal of Islamic Studies does not impose a manuscript withdrawal penalty. Manuscripts that have already been published, including articles published online before assignment to an issue, are subject to post-publication correction or retraction procedures rather than ordinary manuscript withdrawal.

 

5. Article Removal

The complete removal of a published article is an exceptional measure and will be considered only when continued public access creates substantial legal, ethical, privacy, or safety concerns that cannot reasonably be addressed through correction or retraction. Examples may include a binding legal order, serious infringement of protected rights, disclosure of sensitive personal information, or a significant risk of harm arising from continued access to the content. Where legally and ethically permissible, the journal will retain the article's bibliographic metadata and provide a public notice explaining that the content has been removed. Removal will not ordinarily be used to conceal publication errors, research misconduct, or disagreements concerning an article.

 

6. Article Replacement and Publication History

Substantive changes to a published article must not be made without an appropriate record of the changes. Where an article requires extensive correction or replacement, the editorial team will determine whether a corrected version, formal correction notice, retraction, or separate republication is necessary. Any replacement or republication must preserve a transparent publication history, including the relationship between the original article and the corrected or republished version. The journal will not silently replace published articles in ways that obscure material changes to the scholarly record.

 

7. Editorial Procedures and Public Notices

Concerns about published articles may be reported by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other relevant parties. The editorial team will:

a. Assess the concern and available supporting evidence.

b. Identify potential conflicts of interest and assign independent editorial responsibility where necessary.

c. Request clarification or supporting documentation from relevant parties when appropriate.

d. Seek independent expert advice or institutional investigation when warranted.

e. Determine the appropriate editorial action based on the evidence.

f. Communicate the decision to relevant parties and publish a notice when required.

Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retraction Notices will be clearly identified, publicly accessible, and linked to the affected article where applicable. The journal will maintain accurate publication records and update relevant article metadata and indexing information where supported by its publishing infrastructure. Editorial actions will be implemented without unnecessary delay once sufficient grounds for action have been established.

 

8. Editorial Independence and Accountability

Decisions concerning corrections, retractions, withdrawals, and removals must remain independent of financial, institutional, personal, or commercial interests. Authors are expected to cooperate with reasonable editorial inquiries concerning errors or research integrity. The journal will handle reported concerns fairly, respect confidentiality where appropriate, and maintain documentation of significant editorial decisions. No publication fee is charged for the issuance of corrections, Expressions of Concern, or Retraction Notices. This policy should be read in conjunction with the journal's Publication Ethics, Plagiarism and Originality Policy, and Complaints and Appeals Policy.