Plagiarism Policy

Purpose and Principles

This policy establishes transparent procedures for preventing, identifying, evaluating, and addressing potential plagiarism in manuscripts submitted to Tarbawi: Jurnal Studi Pendidikan Islami. It applies to original research articles, conceptual manuscripts, review articles where accepted, and other scholarly contributions considered by the journal.

The policy is guided by the following principles:

• Originality and proper acknowledgment of scholarly sources.
• Fair and consistent similarity screening.
• Contextual interpretation of similarity reports.
• Transparent editorial procedures and proportionate responses.
• Respect for author rights and opportunities to provide clarification.
• Protection of the accuracy and integrity of the published scholarly record.

Originality Requirements

Authors must ensure that their manuscripts are original, have not been previously published, and are not simultaneously under consideration by another journal, except where prior dissemination has been appropriately disclosed and is permitted under the journal's policies.

All ideas, theories, quotations, interpretations, research findings, datasets, instruments, figures, tables, and other materials originating from external sources must be properly acknowledged through accurate citations and references.

Authors must also disclose substantial reuse of their own previously disseminated work. Permitted reuse, legitimate methodological similarities, and properly disclosed prior versions should be distinguished from misleading redundant publication.

Plagiarism Screening and Similarity Threshold

Manuscripts are subject to originality and similarity screening during the editorial assessment process. The journal's stated maximum similarity threshold is 20%. Manuscripts exceeding this threshold may be returned for revision, subjected to further examination, or rejected following editorial evaluation.

A similarity score represents textual matches identified by software. It does not independently establish whether plagiarism has occurred. Editors consider the nature, location, significance, and attribution of matched material before making an editorial decision.

Interpretation of Similarity Reports

The editorial team evaluates similarity reports by considering relevant qualitative and quantitative information, including:

• The extent and concentration of matching text.
• Whether matched passages are appropriately quoted or attributed.
• Whether similarities occur in original analysis, findings, or other substantial contributions.
• Whether standard disciplinary terminology or commonly used methodological descriptions account for certain matches.
• Whether previously published versions or related publications have been disclosed.
• Whether the manuscript reproduces substantial intellectual content without adequate acknowledgment.
• Whether the identified similarities affect the novelty, integrity, and scholarly contribution of the manuscript.

Appropriate software settings may be applied to support accurate interpretation of reports. Such settings must not be manipulated to conceal significant textual or intellectual overlap.

Forms of Plagiarism and Related Misconduct

Editorial Screening and Investigation Procedure

Potential plagiarism concerns are managed through a documented editorial process appropriate to the nature and seriousness of the identified issue.

Possible Editorial Decisions

Depending on the circumstances, the editorial team may take one or more of the following actions:

• Request clarification regarding the originality or attribution of specific material.
• Return the manuscript for revision and improved citation practices.
• Request an updated similarity report or conduct additional editorial screening.
• Reject a manuscript when substantial plagiarism or serious ethical non-compliance is established.
• Consult the publisher or relevant research institution when formal investigation is necessary.
• Consider post-publication notices or corrective action if concerns are identified after an article has been published.

Editorial decisions are based on documented evidence, the significance of the problem, and the principles of fairness, confidentiality, and publication integrity.

Plagiarism Allegations After Publication

Allegations concerning plagiarism in published articles are taken seriously and assessed in accordance with appropriate research and publication ethics procedures. The editorial office may examine original and published sources, request clarification from the authors, and consult relevant institutions when necessary.

Where concerns are substantiated, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the nature of the problem and its implications for the reliability and integrity of the published article.

Any post-publication action should be clearly communicated and appropriately linked to the relevant article record. Retraction is not intended as a punishment but as a mechanism to correct the scholarly literature when necessary.

Author Responsibilities

Authors bear primary responsibility for the originality and ethical preparation of their manuscripts. Before submission, authors must:

• Verify that all sources are accurately acknowledged.
• Use quotation, paraphrasing, and citation practices consistent with scholarly standards.
• Disclose relevant prior publications, preprints, or substantially overlapping work when required.
• Ensure that tables, images, datasets, and other materials are used lawfully and ethically.
• Review manuscript originality and resolve identified citation issues before submission.
• Respond truthfully and cooperatively to editorial questions regarding originality.
• Accept responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of submitted scholarly content.

Artificial Intelligence and Academic Originality

The use of artificial intelligence or AI-assisted technologies does not remove authors' obligations concerning originality, accurate citation, proper attribution, and research integrity.

Authors must comply with the journal's Artificial Intelligence Policy, including applicable disclosure requirements. AI-generated references, unsupported scholarly claims, fabricated sources, and the misrepresentation of third-party material as original research are unacceptable.

Read Artificial Intelligence Policy ↗

Confidentiality and Fair Treatment

Plagiarism reports and associated correspondence are handled by authorized editorial personnel in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements. Allegations should be evaluated impartially, without discrimination or premature conclusions regarding author misconduct.

Authors should be given an appropriate opportunity to respond to significant concerns before final conclusions are reached, except where immediate editorial measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the publication process.