AZWA: Journal of Islamic Education is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and accountable process for handling complaints and appeals. This policy outlines the procedures for addressing concerns related to editorial decisions, publication ethics, and journal management. The journal follows the Core Practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

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Types of Complaints

Complaints may include, but are not limited to:

• Allegations of research misconduct or ethical violations.
• Claims of editorial bias or unfair treatment.
• Concerns regarding the peer-review process.
• Accusations of plagiarism or copyright infringement.
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

Submission of Complaints

• Complaints must be submitted in writing through the journal’s official editorial email address.
• The submission must include the complainant’s contact information, a clear description of the issue, and supporting evidence where applicable.

Confidentiality

AZWA ensures confidentiality throughout the investigation process. Personal information will only be disclosed to individuals directly involved in resolving the matter.

Assessment and Investigation

• The Editorial Office will conduct an initial assessment to determine the validity and seriousness of the complaint.
• If warranted, a formal investigation will be conducted, which may involve consultation with editors, reviewers, authors, or the publisher.
• In cases involving members of the Editorial Board, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest.

Resolution

The journal will make every effort to resolve complaints in a timely, objective, and fair manner. The complainant will be informed of the outcome and any corrective actions taken, in accordance with established ethical guidelines.

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Appeals

Authors who disagree with an editorial decision may submit a formal appeal. Appeals must clearly state the grounds for reconsideration and provide supporting evidence.

Appeals will be reviewed by an independent editor or a designated committee who were not involved in the original decision. The review will be conducted objectively and in accordance with the journal’s ethical standards.

The decision reached after the appeal process is final.

Policy Review

This policy is periodically reviewed to ensure alignment with international best practices in scholarly publishing. Any updates will be communicated through the journal’s official website.