Introduction

The Journal of Islamic Philosophy and Contemporary Thought (JIPCT) recognizes the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in the landscape of academic publishing. From improving linguistic precision to assisting in data analysis and automating elements of content preparation, AI can significantly enhance the research and writing process. Nevertheless, its use must be carefully regulated to safeguard academic integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability.

This policy establishes JIPCT’s position on the ethical and responsible use of AI tools in manuscript preparation. It aims to promote clarity, reduce ambiguity, and align with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices and its ongoing deliberations on the integration of AI into scholarly publishing.

Definition of AI Tools

For this policy, AI tools refer to software, platforms, or systems employing artificial intelligence methodologies—such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), or deep learning—to generate, edit, translate, summarize, or analyze textual, numerical, visual, or audio content within academic contexts.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Generative language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other large language models)

• Writing and editing aids (e.g., Grammarly, DeepL Write, Quillbot)

• AI-based analytical or visualization software

• Tools for generating figures, graphs, or statistical representations

• AI-driven applications for literature review or citation management

Acceptable Use of AI Tools

Authors may utilize AI tools for limited, transparent purposes, provided that all conditions outlined below are strictly observed.

Permissible Uses

• Correcting grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors

• Improving clarity, tone, or style

• Formatting references and citations

• Conducting preliminary literature searches

• Supporting, but not replacing, statistical modeling or data analysis

• Designing visual aids or illustrations, provided that ethical sourcing and critical human review are ensured

Prohibited Uses

AI tools must not be employed to:

• Generate full manuscripts or substantial sections of original content without attribution and human oversight

• Fabricate or falsify data, findings, or visuals

• Translate scholarly works without human verification

• Summarize or paraphrase literature in ways that constitute plagiarism

• Produce content infringing on copyright or involving unauthorized third-party materials.

Author Responsibilities

Authors bear full responsibility for all content submitted to JIPCT, including material created or refined using AI tools. They must:

• Ensure the accuracy, originality, and reliability of any AI-assisted content

• Identify and prevent plagiarism, factual inaccuracies, bias, or “hallucinated” information

• Appropriately cite and acknowledge all AI-influenced or AI-suggested sources

• Accept full accountability for ethical breaches or misrepresentations resulting from AI use

• Critically review and revise AI-generated output to meet scholarly standards

Authorship and AI

AI tools are not eligible for authorship or co-authorship under any circumstances. Authorship is reserved exclusively for individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the manuscript and can be held fully accountable for its content.

Listing AI tools as authors, contributors, or co-authors—whether in bylines, footnotes, or contribution statements—is strictly prohibited and may result in rejection or retraction.

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must provide transparent disclosure of any AI use beyond the permissible categories. Each disclosure should include:

• The name, version, and developer of the AI tool used.

• A concise description of its purpose and the extent of use.

• A declaration affirming the authors’ complete responsibility for all AI-assisted content.

Placement of Disclosures

Depending on the nature of the AI use, disclosures should appear in one or more of the following sections:

• Methods Section: if AI was used in data analysis, visualization, or programming

• Acknowledgements Section: if AI-supported writing enhancement, translation, or formatting

• Dedicated Statement Section: A “Declaration of AI Tool Usage” may be included, with wording such as:

“During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [insert AI tool name, version, and developer] for [describe purpose and extent of use]. All AI-generated outputs were thoroughly reviewed and edited by the authors to ensure accuracy, originality, and academic integrity. The authors take full responsibility for the content of this work.”

Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

Editors and peer reviewers will assess AI-use disclosures as part of the ethical and methodological evaluation of each submission. If undisclosed or inappropriate AI use is suspected, the editorial team may:

• Request clarification or manuscript revision.

• Reject the submission.

• Initiate a formal investigation or refer the matter to the author’s institution if misconduct is suspected.

JIPCT does not rely solely on automated tools to detect or assess AI-generated content. All evaluations are conducted through human oversight and direct author communication.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Immediate rejection of the manuscript

• Post-publication retraction

• Notification to the author’s affiliated institution

• Prohibition from future submissions in severe or repeated cases

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Authors who wish to appeal editorial decisions related to AI use may submit a formal written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief. The appeal must clearly outline the basis of disagreement, include supporting documentation, and reference the relevant sections of this policy. The editorial ethics committee will review such appeals, or in exceptional cases, refer them to an independent COPE advisor.

Use of AI by the Editorial Team

JIPCT does not employ AI tools to make autonomous editorial or peer review decisions. Any future use of AI within editorial workflows will be transparently disclosed and subject to continuous human oversight and final decision-making authority.

Policy Updates and Author Guidance

This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect technological advancements, emerging ethical concerns, and evolving best practices in scholarly publishing. Authors are advised to consult the most recent version before submission and contact the editorial office for clarification when in doubt.

JIPCT encourages responsible innovation in scholarly communication while maintaining its commitment to academic rigor, ethical integrity, and intellectual authenticity.

Ethical Framework and References

This policy is guided by the ethical standards and reference documents of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including:

• COPE Core Practices

• COPE Discussion Document on Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making

• COPE Guidelines on Authorship and Contributorship

• COPE Retraction Guidelines

All authors submitting to the Journal of Islamic Philosophy and Contemporary Thought (JIPCT) are expected to adhere to these ethical principles as a condition of publication.