Social Theories of Muslim Thinkers

Social Theories of Muslim Thinkers

Policy on the Use of Generative AI Tools

The Journal of Social Theories of Muslim Thinkers maintains a rigorous policy regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies in the preparation, drafting, and review of manuscripts. This policy centers on the principles of human accountability, critical oversight, and transparency.

1. AI and Authorship

AI tools cannot be listed as an author or co-author in any manuscript. Authorship entails the responsibility for the originality, validity, and integrity of the work, which can only be assumed by human beings. Authors must independently verify the final version and provide formal consent for its submission.

2. Permitted Uses

The responsible use of AI tools under strict human oversight is permitted exclusively for the following purposes:

  • Language Editing: Improving the clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, or readability of the author’s original text (including basic translation).
  • Ideation: Using AI as an assistive search tool to identify methodological approaches or research gaps (during the proposal or brainstorming phase).
  • Data Visualization: Generating charts, tables, or infographics based on the author’s own analyzed data, provided that the data is authentic, documented, and traceable.

3. Prohibited Uses

The use of Generative AI for the following purposes is strictly prohibited:

  • Content Generation: Drafting or writing any core section of the manuscript (e.g., Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Discussion, or Conclusion).
  • Data Fabrication: Creating, manipulating, or reporting research data, results, or statistics using generative AI.
  • Image Creation: Creating or altering images, figures, or diagrams, unless it is an explicit part of the research methodology described and documented in the “Methods” section. The creation of artistic images, cover art, or graphical abstracts using generative AI is also prohibited.
  • Source Verification: Authors are solely responsible for the accuracy of their references. Authors must exercise extreme caution, as AI-generated sources are often fabricated or inaccurate (“hallucinations”).

4. Disclosure Requirements

Authors are obligated to declare the use of any generative AI tools in the preparation of their manuscript. This declaration must be included in a dedicated section at the end of the article, before the References list. It must contain:

  1. The name of the AI tool/service used.
  2. The version of the tool (if applicable).
  3. The purpose and scope of the usage.
  4. A statement confirming that the authors have reviewed and edited the content and assume full responsibility for the published work.

(Note: Basic spelling and grammar checkers that do not utilize generative AI technology typically do not require such a declaration.)

5. Use of AI in the Peer Review Process

To protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and maintain the integrity of the peer review process, uploading manuscripts or any part thereof into generative AI tools or Large Language Models (LLMs) by reviewers or editors is strictly prohibited. AI must not replace the expertise or critical human judgment required for scientific evaluation. If a reviewer uses AI solely to improve the language of their review report, they must inform the editorial team.