Plagiarism Policy and AI Use Policy

1. Plagiarism Policy

Maneser: Journal of Religio-Spiritual Studies strictly prohibits all forms of plagiarism. Manuscripts must be original and free from improper textual reproduction or duplication of previously published work.

Forms of plagiarism include, but are not limited to:

  • Copying text, ideas, interpretations, or spiritual narratives without citation

  • Reusing one's previously published work (self‐plagiarism) without acknowledgment

  • Improper paraphrasing that retains original meaning and structure

  • Use of data, religious texts, ethnographic descriptions, or community statements without consent or citation

The journal applies plagiarism screening using similarity detection software.

Acceptable similarity tolerance:

  • Below 20% (excluding references, quotations, and methodological passages)

If plagiarism is detected, the journal may:

  1. Request revision and explanation

  2. Reject the manuscript

  3. Retract the paper (if already published)

  4. Notify the author's affiliated institution

This policy protects academic integrity and respects sacred texts, traditional knowledge, and religious narratives.

2. AI Use Policy

AI‐based tools may be used as supportive instruments, but not as a content creator or conceptual author.

Permitted uses include:

  • Grammar and language refinement

  • Formatting, reference organization, and writing clarity

  • Checking coherence or technical editing

Prohibited uses include:

  • Generating full sections of the manuscript (e.g., Introduction, Findings, Discussion)

  • Producing invented or simulated spiritual experiences or ethnographic data

  • Generating fictional citations, scriptures, doctrines, or cultural statements

  • Interpreting theological or spiritual ideas on behalf of authors

Authors must ensure that:

  • All ideas, theological interpretations, cultural analyses, and conclusions originate from the authors

  • Religious content maintains intellectual rigor and doctrinal authenticity

  • Field data (e.g., interviews, observations) are genuine

Authors using AI must clearly acknowledge it with a statement such as:

“AI tools were used solely for language refinement and formatting, not for generating academic content or research findings.”

Misuse of AI may result in:

  • Major revision requirements

  • Editorial rejection

  • Manuscript withdrawal after publication

This policy ensures that scientific work remains authentic, ethical, culturally sensitive, and grounded in real scholarly contribution.