Post-Publication Discussion Policy

Al Qalam: Jurnal Ilmiah Keagamaan dan Kemasyarakatan, published by Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Al-Qur'an Amuntai (STIQ Amuntai), is committed to promoting open scholarly communication, constructive academic dialogue, and continuous evaluation of published research. The journal recognizes that scholarly discussion should continue beyond the publication of an article, allowing readers, researchers, and academic communities to critically examine research findings, offer alternative interpretations, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

In accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the journal facilitates post-publication discussions through a formal Letter to the Editor mechanism. This policy provides opportunities for readers and scholars to submit evidence-based comments, constructive criticism, academic responses, and relevant observations concerning articles previously published in the journal.

Letter to the Editor

The journal welcomes Letters to the Editor addressing the scholarly content of published articles, particularly issues relating to research methodology, theoretical frameworks, data interpretation, academic arguments, research findings, and their implications for Islamic studies and related social sciences.

Letters should present clear, relevant, and academically justified arguments supported by appropriate scholarly references or verifiable evidence. Submissions may include constructive criticism, requests for clarification, alternative interpretations, or additional perspectives that contribute meaningfully to academic discussion.

All correspondence must maintain professional academic standards, demonstrate respect for differing scholarly perspectives, and avoid personal attacks, defamatory statements, discriminatory language, or unsupported allegations. Letters to the Editor are intended to encourage constructive intellectual exchange rather than personal disputes.

Submission and Editorial Evaluation

Readers, researchers, and other interested parties may submit Letters to the Editor through the journal's official editorial email. Submissions should identify the article being discussed, including its title, authors, publication details, and DOI where available. Contributors should provide their names, institutional affiliations, contact information, relevant competing interests, and a clear explanation of the issues raised.

Submission Email: redaksi.alqalam10@gmail.com

Suggested Email Subject: Letter to the Editor – [Article Title or DOI]

All submitted letters will undergo an initial editorial assessment to determine their academic relevance, clarity, originality, and contribution to scholarly discussion. The editorial team may request revisions, seek independent academic evaluation, or reject correspondence that does not meet the journal's standards. Letters considered suitable for publication may be published as scholarly correspondence at the discretion of the editorial board.

Author's Right of Reply

Authors whose published articles are the subject of substantive academic criticism will be given an appropriate opportunity to respond to the issues raised. The journal encourages authors to provide evidence-based explanations, clarifications, or counterarguments that contribute to a balanced and constructive scholarly exchange.

Where appropriate, accepted Letters to the Editor and corresponding author responses may be published and linked to the original article to maintain transparency and facilitate continuing academic discussion. Editorial decisions regarding the publication of correspondence will be made independently and in accordance with the journal's academic and ethical standards.

Post-Publication Corrections and Research Integrity

In addition to facilitating scholarly debate, the journal recognizes the importance of maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the published scientific record. If post-publication discussions reveal significant errors, misleading information, or potential violations of research ethics, the editorial team will evaluate the concerns in accordance with the journal's publication ethics policies and relevant COPE guidelines.

Depending on the nature and severity of the identified issues, appropriate editorial actions may include publishing corrections, issuing expressions of concern, or retracting articles when justified. Allegations of serious research misconduct will be addressed through the journal's established research misconduct procedures rather than treated solely as ordinary academic correspondence.

Commitment to Scholarly Transparency

Through its post-publication discussion policy, Al Qalam: Jurnal Ilmiah Keagamaan dan Kemasyarakatan seeks to strengthen scholarly accountability, encourage critical engagement, and ensure that published research remains open to responsible academic evaluation. The journal supports respectful debate and transparent communication as essential components of scientific progress and the continuous development of knowledge.

Reference:

Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) – Post-Publication Discussions and Corrections.

https://publicationethics.org/core-practices

COPE – Handling of Post-Publication Critiques.