Research misconduct refers to fabrication, falsification, citation manipulation, or plagiarism in conducting, performing, reviewing, reporting, or writing research. When authors are found to have engaged in research misconduct or other serious irregularities involving an article submitted to or published in Iktisyaf: Journal of Dakwah Studies, the editors have a responsibility to protect the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.

In cases of suspected research misconduct, the editors and editorial board of Iktisyaf: Journal of Dakwah Studies will follow established publication ethics principles and relevant best practices, including the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and relevant guidance from Elsevier .

All allegations will be handled fairly, confidentially, and objectively. The editorial team will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the allegation is credible and whether it falls within the definition of research misconduct.

The first step in addressing an allegation is to determine its validity and assess whether the alleged conduct is consistent with the definition of research misconduct. The editors may also consider whether the person making the allegation has any relevant conflict of interest.

If there is a reasonable possibility that scientific misconduct or other substantial research irregularities have occurred, the allegation will be communicated to the corresponding author. The corresponding author, on behalf of all co-authors, will be given an opportunity to provide a detailed response and relevant supporting documentation.

After the response has been received and evaluated, the editors may conduct additional investigations or seek advice from qualified experts, including statistical reviewers or subject-matter specialists, where appropriate.

If the investigation indicates that misconduct is unlikely to have occurred, the matter may be resolved through clarification, additional analysis, correction, or other appropriate editorial action.

A submitted manuscript that is found to contain research misconduct may be rejected. Where misconduct is identified in an article that has already been published, Iktisyaf: Journal of Dakwah Studies may take appropriate corrective action, including the publication of a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the severity and nature of the case.

Any correction or retraction will be appropriately linked to the original article in order to maintain transparency and preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

Authors, journals, and research institutions share an important responsibility for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.

Where appropriate, the journal may refer allegations of serious research misconduct to the relevant author's institution or other competent authority. Institutions are expected to conduct appropriate and thorough investigations of allegations involving their researchers.

Iktisyaf: Journal of Dakwah Studies will take appropriate action based on the outcome of the evaluation and investigation, including corrections, retractions with replacement, expressions of concern, or retractions where justified.

Articles published in Iktisyaf: Journal of Dakwah Studies may be considered for retraction if:

1. There is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable, either as a result of misconduct, such as data fabrication or falsification, or due to a serious and unintentional error, such as a significant miscalculation.
2. The findings have previously been published elsewhere without proper cross-referencing, permission, or sufficient justification, constituting redundant or duplicate publication.
3. The article contains substantial plagiarism or other serious forms of academic misconduct.
4. The research involves serious ethical violations or was conducted without required ethical approval where such approval was necessary.