Correction and Retraction Policy

The E-Journal of Islamic Thought & Understanding (E-JITU) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal manages post-publication corrections and retractions in accordance with recognised publication ethics standards and the principles and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Corrections Policy

E-JITU may publish a correction when a published article contains an error or omission that affects the accuracy, clarity, or interpretation of the work but does not invalidate the article’s main findings or conclusions.

Corrections may include, but are not limited to, errors in the text, tables, figures, author information, affiliations, references, citations, DOI information, or other bibliographic details. Substantive errors that affect the interpretation or presentation of the research may also be corrected where necessary.

Corrections will normally be published through a formal correction notice and linked to the original article. The original article will remain part of the scholarly record, with the correction clearly identified and linked to the relevant publication. Minor typographical, grammatical, or formatting errors that do not affect the academic content or interpretation of the article may be corrected without issuing a formal correction notice.

2. Retraction Policy

E-JITU may retract a published article when there is clear evidence that the article’s findings are unreliable or that the integrity of the publication has been seriously compromised.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to, plagiarism or substantial duplication, fabrication or falsification of data, serious ethical violations, major errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions, inappropriate manipulation of research materials or results, and other forms of research or publication misconduct.

Retraction does not necessarily imply misconduct by the authors. Each case will be assessed based on the available evidence and the circumstances surrounding the publication.

3. Review and Investigation Process

Concerns regarding a published article may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other relevant parties. E-JITU will assess such concerns objectively and, where appropriate, investigate them in accordance with the journal’s policies and relevant COPE guidance.

Where necessary, the authors will be given an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised. The journal may consult reviewers, subject experts, editorial board members, or relevant institutions where appropriate. Investigations will be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible while maintaining fairness and transparency.

4. Retraction Decision

Retraction decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief, based on the available evidence and the outcome of the editorial investigation. Where a conflict of interest exists, responsibility for the decision may be delegated to an appropriate independent editor or member of the editorial board.

Where appropriate, E-JITU may communicate with the authors’ affiliated institutions or other relevant organisations regarding serious concerns affecting the integrity of the published work.

5. Retraction Notice and Record Integrity

A formal retraction notice will be published and permanently linked to the original article. The notice will normally identify the article title, author(s), date of retraction, and the reason(s) for the retraction.

The original article will normally remain available online in order to preserve the integrity and transparency of the scholarly record, but it will be clearly marked as “Retracted”. The retraction notice will be freely accessible and distinguishable from the original article.

6. Expressions of Concern

Where there are substantial concerns about the reliability or integrity of a published article but the investigation has not yet reached a final conclusion, E-JITU may publish an Expression of Concern.

An Expression of Concern may be issued where further investigation or clarification is required before a decision regarding correction or retraction can be made. Where appropriate, the notice will be linked to the affected article and updated when the investigation has been concluded.

7. Post-Publication Updates

E-JITU recognises that maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record is an ongoing responsibility. The journal may issue corrections, retractions, or Expressions of Concern when new information becomes available that materially affects the accuracy, reliability, or integrity of a published article.

All post-publication actions will be documented appropriately and handled in accordance with the journal’s publication ethics principles and relevant COPE guidance.