AI Tools Usage Policy

The ISTIFHAM: Journal of Islamic Studies acknowledges the significant influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on scholarly publishing. While AI tools provide substantial benefits in areas such as linguistic refinement, data analysis, and content generation, their integration necessitates meticulous oversight to preserve academic integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability. This policy outlines the journal’s position on the ethical and responsible utilization of AI tools throughout the manuscript preparation process, with the objective of establishing unequivocal guidelines, mitigating potential ambiguities, and ensuring alignment with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)’s Core Practices and relevant discussion documents on AI in editorial decision-making.

1. Definition of AI Tools

For the purposes of this policy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are defined as digital systems, platforms, or software applications that utilize AI technologies, including but not limited to machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning, to generate, analyze, translate, summarize, or modify data in various formats, including text, numerical data, visual content, and audio, within the context of research activities.

Examples of AI tools include, but are not limited to:

Generative AI tools: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other Large Language Models (LLMs).
Writing and grammar assistance tools: Grammarly, DeepL Write, QuillBot, and similar applications.
AI-powered data analysis and visualization software.
AI systems used to generate images, graphs, charts, or statistical models.
AI-enabled literature review, citation, and reference management tools.

2. Permitted and Restricted Uses of AI Tools

Authors may utilize AI tools for specific purposes, provided that their use complies with the requirements outlined in this policy.

a. Permitted Uses

The use of AI tools is permitted for the following purposes:

Reviewing and correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language mechanics.
Enhancing clarity, readability, style, and tone of written content.
Assisting with the formatting of references, citations, and bibliographic information.
Supporting preliminary literature searches and information gathering.
Assisting statistical analysis, data processing, or modeling, provided that the analysis remains subject to human oversight and validation.
Creating basic visual materials, illustrations, or graphical elements, provided that such outputs are ethically sourced, appropriately reviewed, and accurately represented.

b. Restricted Uses

The use of AI tools is prohibited for the following purposes:

Generating complete manuscripts or substantial portions of original scholarly content without appropriate disclosure, attribution, and critical human review.
Fabricating, manipulating, or falsifying research data, images, results, or findings.
Translating texts without adequate human verification to ensure accuracy and contextual integrity.
Summarizing, paraphrasing, or rewriting published works in a manner that constitutes plagiarism or misappropriation of intellectual property.
Producing content that infringes copyright, violates intellectual property rights, or reproduces identifiable third-party materials without proper authorization.

3. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors bear full responsibility for the entirety of the content they submit, including any material that has been generated, modified, or assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Authors are required to:

Verify the accuracy, originality, and reliability of all AI-assisted content.
Ensure that the submitted work is free from plagiarism, bias, factual inaccuracies, and AI hallucinations.
Provide appropriate attribution for any external data, sources, or identifiable materials used or suggested by AI tools.
Accept full responsibility for any errors, omissions, or ethical violations arising from the use of AI-assisted content.
Review, critically evaluate, and edit all AI-generated outputs to ensure compliance with applicable scholarly, academic, and disciplinary standards.

4. Authorship and AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors. Authorship is limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research and can be held accountable for its content.

Including AI tools in the list of authors, author notes, or author contribution statements is strictly prohibited and may result in desk rejection or retraction.

5. Disclosure Requirements

Authors are obligated to provide comprehensive and transparent disclosure regarding the utilization of AI tools, particularly when such usage extends beyond the “Permissible Uses” outlined in Restricted Uses of this policy. Disclosure must encompass:

The name, version, and developer or provider of the AI tool employed
A lucid description of the purpose and extent of its application
A declaration affirming that the authors have reviewed and assume responsibility for all AI-assisted content

6. Location of Disclosure in Manuscripts

The disclosure of AI tool usage within a manuscript should be determined by the purpose and extent of its application. Accordingly, such disclosures may be included in one or more of the following sections:

a. Methods Section

If an AI tool has been used as part of the research methodology, such as for data analysis, figure or visualization generation, code development, or other technical research-related activities, its use should be clearly described in the Methods section.

b. Acknowledgments Section

If an AI tool has been used to improve language quality, assist with translation, edit text, or format the manuscript, its use should be disclosed in the Acknowledgments section.

c. Dedicated Statement Section

Authors are strongly encouraged to include a dedicated section entitled “Declaration of AI Tool Usage” in their manuscript. This section should clearly identify the AI tool used, describe the purpose of its use, and specify the extent of its contribution to the preparation of the manuscript. Example Statement:

During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [name of AI tool (version and developer)] for [provide a clear description of the purpose and extent of its use]. All outputs generated by the AI tool were critically reviewed, verified, and edited by the authors to ensure factual accuracy, clarity of expression, and compliance with established academic standards. The authors assume full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and content of this manuscript.

7. Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

Editors and peer reviewers are responsible for carefully evaluating the disclosure and use of AI tools as part of the ethical and methodological assessment of submitted manuscripts. If the use of AI tools is found to be undisclosed, inappropriate, or inconsistent with this policy, the editorial office reserves the right to take appropriate action, including:

Requesting clarification, additional information, or revisions from the authors.
Rejecting the manuscript when the use of AI tools violates journal policies or ethical standards.
Referring the matter to the authors’ affiliated institution or initiating a formal investigation when research misconduct or ethical breaches are suspected.

The ISTIFHAM: Journal of Islamic Studies recognizes that determining the origin and authenticity of manuscript content should not rely solely on automated AI-detection tools. Accordingly, all assessments will involve human judgment, editorial oversight, and direct communication with authors when necessary. This approach is intended to ensure a fair, comprehensive, and context-sensitive evaluation of manuscript integrity, transparency, and compliance with ethical publishing standards.

8. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with this policy may result in several academic consequences, including the rejection of the manuscript at any stage of the review process, retraction of the article post-publication, notification of the author’s institution in instances of suspected misconduct, and a ban on future submissions from the author in cases of severe or repeated misuse.

9. Appeals and Dispute Resolution

If an author disagrees with an editorial decision regarding the use of AI tools, a formal written appeal can be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief. This appeal must clearly state the disagreement, provide supporting evidence, and explicitly reference the relevant sections of this policy. Appeals will be reviewed by an internal ethics panel or, if necessary, referred to an independent COPE consultant for impartial evaluation.

10. Use of AI by the Editorial Team

The ISTIFHAM: Journal of Islamic Studies does not currently utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools for autonomous editorial or peer review decisions. Should the editorial team consider integrating AI into future processes, such implementation will be accompanied by transparent disclosure, ensuring that all AI-assisted outcomes are subject to human verification and final determination.

11. Policy Updates and Author Guidance

As AI technologies advance, this policy will undergo periodic review and revision to address emerging risks, capitalize on new benefits, and align with evolving community standards. Authors are strongly advised to consult the most current version of this policy prior to manuscript submission. For any uncertainties regarding compliance with AI tool usage, authors should promptly contact the editorial office for clarification.

The ISTIFHAM: Journal of Islamic Studies encourages authors to adopt responsible innovation while consistently upholding the principles of ethical research and publication.

12. Ethical Framework and References

This policy is based on ethical guidelines and recommendations from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including:

Authors are expected to adhere to these standards as a condition of submission to the ISTIFHAM: Journal of Islamic Studies.