Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

Introduction

Contemporary Quran recognizes the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and scholarly writing. While these technologies can enhance productivity and accessibility, their use must align with principles of academic integrity, transparency, and accountability.

This policy is developed in accordance with international standards and best practices, particularly those outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), as well as publishing guidelines adopted by major academic publishers such as Elsevier and Springer Nature. These frameworks emphasize that AI tools cannot replace human authorship, must be used transparently, and should not compromise the originality or reliability of scholarly work.

Definition of AI Tools

AI tools refer to software or systems capable of generating, analyzing, or transforming content with minimal human intervention, including but not limited to:

  • Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)
  • AI-based paraphrasing or summarization tools
  • Machine translation tools (e.g., Google Translate, DeepL)
  • AI-assisted data analysis tools

Acceptable Use of AI

Authors may use AI tools only as supportive instruments, not as substitutes for intellectual contribution. Acceptable uses include:

  • Language improvement (grammar, clarity, readability)
  • Translation assistance with human verification
  • Structuring or outlining ideas
  • Technical support in data analysis (with disclosure)

All AI-generated outputs must be reviewed, verified, and approved by the author.

Prohibited Use of AI

  • Listing AI tools as authors or co-authors
  • Generating core arguments without human intellectual contribution
  • Fabricating data, references, or citations
  • Submitting AI-generated content without disclosure
  • Using AI to manipulate peer review

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in a section titled “AI Usage Statement” before the references.

Example:
“The author used AI tools for language editing and structuring. All content has been reviewed and validated by the author.”

Authorship and Responsibility

AI tools cannot be considered authors. All responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript remains with the human authors.

Ethical Considerations

Authors must ensure that AI use does not violate academic integrity, copyright, data privacy, or proper citation practices. Special attention must be given to maintaining the integrity of Qur’anic interpretation and religious scholarship.

Use of AI in Peer Review

Reviewers are not allowed to upload manuscripts into AI tools due to confidentiality concerns. AI must not be used to generate peer review reports.

Editorial Use of AI

Editors may use AI tools only for technical purposes such as language checks or formatting. Editorial decisions must remain fully human-driven.

Policy Enforcement

Violation of this policy may result in manuscript rejection, retraction, or notification to the author’s institution. The journal adheres to COPE standards and aligns with ethical frameworks used by Elsevier and Springer Nature.