Corrections and Retractions

Corrections and Retractions

AL-ULUM is dedicated to safeguarding the accuracy, integrity, and trustworthiness of the scholarly record. Whenever mistakes or problems are found in an article it has published, the journal will review the evidence at hand and respond appropriately in order to protect the integrity of the academic literature.

1. Corrections
   A correction may be published when an article contains a mistake that compromises the accuracy, clarity, or interpretation of the work, yet does not undermine its overall findings or conclusions.

Such corrections may concern mistakes in author details, affiliations, references, data presentation, figures, tables, or other elements of the article. Before deciding whether a formal correction is warranted, the editorial team will weigh the nature and severity of the mistake.

A correction notice will clearly identify the article concerned, describe the mistake, and set out the correction. The notice will be linked to the original article so that readers can trace the changes.

2. Retractions
   A retraction may be considered when the reliability or integrity of a published article has been seriously undermined. Grounds for retraction include, but are not limited to:

Evidence that research data were fabricated or falsified.

Plagiarism or substantial duplication without attribution.

Serious mistakes that invalidate the main findings or conclusions.

Unethical research conduct or grave breaches of research ethics.

Improper or fraudulent authorship, where the problem materially affects the integrity of the publication.

Duplicate publication or other serious forms of publication misconduct.

The purpose of retraction is to set the scholarly record right and to alert readers that the article can no longer be treated as an accurate source of research findings. It is not meant to punish authors.

Where appropriate, the journal will ask the authors for an explanation and may consult relevant institutions or other parties before reaching a decision. A retraction decision will rest on the available evidence and the gravity of the problem, not merely on whether the authors concur with it.

A retraction notice will identify the article, state the reason for retraction, and explain, as far as possible, the basis for the decision while respecting applicable confidentiality and legal requirements. The original article will remain identifiable in the journal's archive and will be clearly labelled as retracted rather than quietly removed, except where removal is required by law or needed to address exceptional risks.

3. Expressions of Concern
   An expression of concern may be issued when credible allegations are raised about the reliability or integrity of a published article, but the evidence available is not yet sufficient for a final decision or an investigation is still under way.

The journal may issue an expression of concern to keep readers informed while further clarification or investigation takes place. The notice will be linked to the article concerned. Once sufficient evidence is available, the journal will decide whether further action, including correction or retraction, is warranted.

4. Investigation and Editorial Decision
   When a potential error or publication ethics concern is reported, the editorial team will:

Assess the concern together with the information or evidence supplied.

Seek clarification or supporting documentation from the authors where appropriate.

Consult reviewers, editorial advisers, research institutions, or other relevant parties as necessary.

Weigh the available evidence fairly and in confidence.

Decide on the appropriate action in light of the nature and seriousness of the issue.

Where appropriate, the journal will give the parties concerned a reasonable opportunity to respond. The process will be conducted impartially, and decisions will rest on evidence and the principles of publication ethics.

5. Reporting Concerns
   Readers, authors, reviewers, and other parties may report suspected errors, plagiarism, data manipulation, or other concerns about published articles by contacting the journal at its official email address.

Reports should identify the article concerned and supply enough detail or supporting evidence to allow an assessment. The journal will examine credible reports and take appropriate action where necessary.

6. Transparency and Record Maintenance
   Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will be documented transparently and linked to the affected article wherever applicable. The journal will keep the publication record intact and make the relevant notices accessible to readers.

The editorial team will handle cases in line with the journal's principles of publication ethics and applicable standards of research integrity. The action taken will depend on the evidence, the gravity of the concern, and the consequences for the reliability of the scholarly record.