Jurnal Al-Hikmah: Jurnal Dakwah is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions are important mechanisms for addressing errors and publication integrity concerns identified after an article has been published.

This policy outlines the circumstances under which editorial action may be necessary and the principles guiding the handling of corrections and retractions. The policy is informed by internationally recognized publication ethics guidance, including recommendations from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Purpose and Scope

The primary purpose of corrections and retractions is to preserve the integrity and transparency of the academic publication record.

Editorial actions should provide readers with accurate information about the reliability of published research and any significant issues identified after publication.

This policy applies to articles published in Jurnal Al-Hikmah: Jurnal Dakwah, including research articles, review articles, and other scholarly contributions.

2. Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article but the overall findings and conclusions remain reliable.

Corrections may be considered in circumstances such as:

• Errors in statistical information, tables, figures, or references that do not invalidate the main research findings.
• Inaccuracies in author information or institutional affiliations.
• Errors in the presentation or description of research methods.
• Minor factual inaccuracies that require clarification for readers.
• Other correctable errors that do not fundamentally compromise the reliability of the published article.

A correction notice should clearly identify the original article, describe the error, explain the correction made, and provide an appropriate link to the original publication.

3. Retractions

A retraction may be considered when the editorial team determines that a published article contains serious problems affecting the reliability, validity, or integrity of its findings or conclusions.

Circumstances that may justify retraction include:

• Substantial evidence of research data fabrication or falsification.
• Major errors that render the research findings unreliable.
• Significant plagiarism or unauthorized use of intellectual material.
• Duplicate or redundant publication without appropriate disclosure or justification.
• Serious violations of research ethics that undermine the integrity of the study.
• Manipulation or compromise of the peer review process.
• Other serious publication integrity concerns that substantially undermine confidence in the article.

Retraction decisions should be based on the reliability of the published work and the available evidence.

The purpose of retraction is to correct the scholarly record rather than to punish authors or other contributors.

4. Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern may be issued when serious questions arise regarding the reliability or integrity of a published article but the available evidence is insufficient to reach a definitive conclusion.

An expression of concern may be appropriate when:

• A significant research integrity investigation remains unresolved.
• Available evidence raises substantial concerns but does not establish whether retraction is necessary.
• Additional information is required from authors or relevant institutions.

An expression of concern should clearly identify the affected article, explain the nature of the unresolved concern, and be updated when additional evidence becomes available.

5. Reporting Errors and Concerns

Authors, reviewers, readers, and other interested parties may report potential errors or publication integrity concerns to the editorial office.

Reports should contain sufficient information to allow an initial editorial assessment, including:

1. The title and identification of the affected article.
2. A clear description of the identified error or concern.
3. Relevant supporting evidence or references.
4. An explanation of the potential impact on the published findings.
5. Contact information for further clarification, where appropriate.

6. Editorial Assessment and Decision

Upon receiving a report, the editorial team should assess the available information and determine whether further examination is necessary.

The editorial assessment may involve:

1. Reviewing the reported concern and supporting documentation.
2. Requesting clarification from the authors or other relevant parties.
3. Consulting independent academic experts when appropriate.
4. Referring matters requiring formal investigation to relevant institutions.
5. Determining whether a correction, expression of concern, retraction, or no further editorial action is appropriate.

Authors should be given an appropriate opportunity to respond to substantive concerns before a final editorial determination.

Editorial decisions should be fair, evidence-based, proportionate, and free from inappropriate influence.

7. Publication of Editorial Notices

Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions should be communicated transparently to readers.

An editorial notice should:

• Clearly identify the type of editorial action taken.
• Identify the original article, including its title and authors.
• Include a reference or link to the affected publication.
• Explain the reason for the editorial action.
• Identify who is issuing the notice, where appropriate.
• Be freely accessible to readers.
• Be published and linked to the original article in a timely manner.

When applicable, the article's online record and metadata should be updated to communicate its corrected or retracted status.

8. Preservation of the Scholarly Record

Retracted articles should generally remain accessible as part of the scholarly publication record, with clear identification of their retracted status.

Removing an article entirely should not be the default response to a publication integrity concern.

In exceptional circumstances, removal or restricted access may be considered when required by applicable legal obligations, privacy considerations, or other serious circumstances.

Any such action should be accompanied by an appropriate public explanation wherever legally permissible.

9. Author Rights and Appeals

Authors affected by correction or retraction decisions may provide relevant explanations or supporting information for editorial consideration.

Requests for reconsideration should identify the decision being questioned and provide substantive reasons or evidence.

Appeals should be considered fairly and, where appropriate, reviewed by individuals without a conflict of interest.

10. Confidentiality and Transparency

The editorial team should maintain appropriate confidentiality during the assessment of publication integrity concerns.

Information should be shared only with individuals who have legitimate roles in the review or resolution of the matter, subject to applicable legal and institutional requirements.

Once an editorial decision requires a public notice, readers should receive sufficient information to understand its significance.

11. Contact and Further Information

Authors, reviewers, and readers who identify errors or have concerns about published articles may contact the editorial office of Jurnal Al-Hikmah: Jurnal Dakwah.

Editorial Contact: Contact the Editorial Team

Publication Ethics: Publication Ethics and Misconduct

Research Misconduct: Allegations of Research Misconduct

Ethical Guidance: COPE Retraction Guidelines