Generative AI Policy

Policy on the Use of Generative AI in the Writing Process

ELWAFA: Islamic Studies Journal recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being used to assist academic writing. This policy is intended to promote transparency, academic integrity, and the responsible use of AI throughout the publication process. The policy applies only to the use of generative AI for manuscript preparation and does not restrict the use of AI as a research tool, provided that its use is appropriately described in the manuscript.

Guidelines for Authors

Authors may use generative AI or AI-assisted technologies to improve the language, grammar, readability, or organization of their manuscripts. However, AI must not replace the authors' intellectual contribution. Authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, integrity, and scholarly content of their work. Every manuscript must be carefully reviewed and edited by the authors before submission.

Declaration of AI Use

If generative AI has been used during the preparation of a manuscript, authors must disclose its use by including the following statement before the References section under the heading Declaration of Use of AI in the Writing Process:

The author(s) used [NAME OF AI TOOL/SERVICE] during the preparation of this manuscript to [PURPOSE]. The author(s) reviewed and edited the generated content as necessary and take full responsibility for the content of this publication.

If no generative AI tools were used in preparing the manuscript, no declaration is required.

Authorship

Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship requires substantial intellectual contribution, accountability, and responsibility, which can only be fulfilled by human authors.

Use of AI in Research

This policy does not prohibit the use of AI tools for research activities, such as data analysis, coding, transcription, or statistical processing. When AI is used as part of the research methodology, its use must be clearly described in the appropriate section of the manuscript, particularly the Methods section, to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

AI-Generated Images

AI-generated images, figures, or illustrations may be accepted only when they are used for explanatory or illustrative purposes and do not constitute scientific evidence. Images that represent research data, historical manuscripts, experimental results, or other evidential materials must not be generated or altered using AI technologies. Authors are responsible for ensuring that all images comply with applicable copyright and licensing requirements.

Guidance for Reviewers

Reviewers must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. Manuscripts, or any part of their contents, must not be uploaded to generative AI platforms or shared with AI services that may retain or reuse submitted data. Reviewers are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and providing independent, unbiased evaluations.

Guidance for Editors

Editors are expected to maintain the confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts throughout the editorial process. Editors should not upload manuscripts or confidential editorial materials to generative AI systems that could compromise authors' privacy, intellectual property, or unpublished research. Editorial decisions must always be based on independent academic judgment.