Editorial Policy - Find Your Path

Last Updated: October 11, 2025

This Editorial Policy explains the research standards, Islamic methodology, ethical principles, and transparency commitments I maintain at IslamJourney.org.

This is a personal Islamic education blog operated by Rem Archi (pseudonym), a Muslim student of knowledge. While I’m one person with limited Islamic scholarly credentials, I hold myself to rigorous standards in presenting authentic Islamic knowledge.

About This Policy

Why This Policy Exists

Transparency and accountability are essential in presenting Islamic knowledge.

This policy:

Explains how I research, verify, and present Islamic content
Documents my commitment to authentic sources and accuracy
Shows readers how to evaluate the Islamic content
Establishes standards for corrections and accountability
Demonstrates independence from sectarian or political agendas
Provides guidelines for handling Islamic scholarly differences

This is my commitment to you about the Islamic educational integrity you can expect.

Core Editorial Principles

1. Authentic Islamic Sources

All Islamic content is grounded in:

Primary Sources:

The Quran: The Word of Allah, primary source of Islamic guidance
Authentic Sunnah: Prophetic traditions from reliable hadith collections
Scholarly Consensus (Ijma): Where it exists on fundamental matters

Secondary Sources:

Classical Islamic scholars: The four Imams, Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Ghazali, Al-Nawawi, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Hajar, and other recognized authorities
Contemporary trusted scholars: Across the Muslim world from mainstream Sunni tradition
Authenticated Islamic texts: Tafsir, fiqh manuals, hadith commentaries, theological works

I do NOT use:

Weak (da’if) or fabricated (mawdu) hadiths as evidence (unless explicitly noting weakness)
Unverified stories or folklore
Personal opinions presented as Islamic rulings
Deviant or extremist interpretations
Unauthenticated sources

2. Sunni Islamic Framework

I present Islam from mainstream Sunni perspective based on:

The Quran and authentic Sunnah
The understanding of the Salaf as-Salih (righteous predecessors)
The four schools of Sunni jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali)
Orthodox Sunni theology (Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama’ah)

This framework means:

Following the methodology of the majority of Muslims throughout history
Respecting the four madhahib as valid approaches to fiqh
Avoiding sectarian extremism while maintaining Sunni orthodoxy
Acknowledging legitimate scholarly differences within Sunni tradition

What this is NOT:

Claiming Sunnis are the only Muslims
Engaging in takfir against other groups
Refusing to acknowledge common ground
Promoting sectarian division

Transparency: I am upfront about my Sunni orientation so readers know the framework being presented.

3. Acknowledging Scholarly Differences (Ikhtilaf)

Islamic scholarship has legitimate differences on secondary matters.

When presenting fiqh or theological issues:

I acknowledge when scholars differ
I cite which scholars or schools hold which views
I present evidence for different positions where relevant
I may favor one view while respecting others

Example approach:

“On this issue, scholars differ. The Hanafi school holds [position A] based on [evidence]. The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools hold [position B] based on [evidence]. The Maliki school has [position C]. The stronger view appears to be [X] because [reasoning], but all positions are held by respected scholars and are valid within their frameworks.”

I do NOT:

Claim only one view is correct when scholars legitimately differ
Hide scholarly differences to create false consensus
Present my preferred view as the only valid opinion
Dismiss other madhahib’s positions as “weak” or “wrong” when they have valid evidence

Unity on fundamentals, tolerance on secondary matters (Al-ittifaq fil-usul, at-tasamuh fil-furu).

4. Complete Independence

I am entirely independent from:

Islamic organizations or institutions
Political parties or governments
Religious movements or ideological groups
Wealthy donors or funding organizations
Mosques or Islamic centers (no institutional control)
Sectarian groups or extremist organizations

Self-Funded Operation:

All costs (hosting, research, time) from my personal resources
No organizational backing or control
Complete freedom to present authentic Islam honestly

Revenue (Current/Future):

Google AdSense: Display ads (I don’t control which ads appear)
Affiliate links: For Islamic books/resources (marked clearly)
Donations: (Possible future) Voluntary sadaqah from readers

What I will NEVER accept:

Money from extremist or deviant groups
Funding in exchange for promoting specific interpretations
Payments for favorable coverage of scholars/organizations
Any financial arrangement compromising Islamic educational integrity

My only allegiance is to Allah, authentic Islamic knowledge, and serving readers seeking truth.

5. Intellectual Honesty

I acknowledge what I know and what I don’t know.

I am NOT:

A Sheikh, Mufti, Imam, or Alim with formal ijazah (authorization)
A hadith scholar (muhaddith) with expertise in hadith sciences
An Arabic language expert or Quranic exegete
Qualified to issue fatwas or make independent ijtihad

I AM:

A sincere Muslim student of knowledge
A researcher compiling authentic Islamic sources
A facilitator helping others access Islamic knowledge
Accountable for accuracy and referencing properly

I explicitly state:

When I don’t have sufficient knowledge
When issues require consulting qualified scholars
When I’m presenting established scholarly consensus vs. my understanding
My limitations as a student, not a scholar

Saying “I don’t know” or “Consult a qualified scholar” is honest and necessary.

6. Respectful & Balanced Approach

My tone and approach:

Assume good intentions and sincere seeking
Avoid harsh, judgmental, or condescending language
Present Islam’s beauty, mercy, and wisdom
Address challenges Muslims face with compassion
Acknowledge struggles and difficulties honestly

I do NOT:

Engage in takfir (declaring Muslims as non-Muslims) unjustly
Shame or attack fellow Muslims for mistakes
Present Islam as harsh, rigid, or burdensome
Promote extremism, violence, or intolerance
Attack other religions unnecessarily (while maintaining Islamic truth claims)

Balance firmness on fundamentals with gentleness in presentation.

Research Methodology for Islamic Content

Phase 1: Quranic Foundation

For every Islamic topic:

Identify relevant Quranic verses

Search Quranic text for topic keywords
Check multiple tafsir (exegeses) for context
Verify verse numbers and translation accuracy

Consult Classical Tafsir

Tafsir Ibn Kathir (most commonly referenced)
Tafsir al-Tabari
Tafsir al-Qurtubi
Tafsir al-Jalalayn
Contemporary tafsir by trusted scholars

Understand Context

Asbab al-Nuzul (occasions of revelation)
Historical context of revelation
Connection to surrounding verses
General vs. specific rulings

I cite:

Surah name and number
Ayah (verse) number
Translation source
Tafsir references for explanation

Example citation:

Allah says: “And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Quran 2:43, Sahih International translation)

Ibn Kathir explains this verse as [explanation]. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Al-Baqarah)

Phase 2: Hadith Verification

For every hadith cited:

Authentication Check

Verify hadith exists in authentic collections
Check grading (sahih, hasan, da’if, mawdu)
Rely on established muhaddithun (hadith scholars)

Primary Authentic Collections

Sahih Bukhari (highest authenticity)
Sahih Muslim (highest authenticity)
Sunan Abu Dawud
Jami’ at-Tirmidhi
Sunan an-Nasa’i
Sunan Ibn Majah

Modern Authentication

Sheikh al-Albani’s authentications
Contemporary hadith scholars’ gradings
Cross-reference multiple authentication sources

I cite:

Hadith collection name
Book and chapter
Hadith number
Grading (sahih, hasan, etc.)
English translation

Example citation:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 66, Hadith 18)

I do NOT:

Cite weak hadiths as authentic
Use fabricated hadiths
Present unverified stories as authentic
Cite without proper attribution

If citing weak hadith for historical context:

[Statement]. (Narrated by [source], but classified as weak by scholars. Cited for historical context only, not as evidence.)

Phase 3: Scholarly Consultation

For fiqh and theological issues:

Classical Scholars

The four Imams (Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi’i, Ahmad)
Major scholars (Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Ghazali, Al-Nawawi, Ibn al-Qayyim, etc.)
Classical fiqh manuals and theological texts

Contemporary Scholars

Trusted contemporary scholars across Muslim world (Dr Israr Ahmed, Abu Ala Maududi)
Fatwa councils and scholarly bodies
Multiple scholarly opinions for balance

Madhab Positions

Research positions of all four madhahib where relevant
Cite evidence each madhab uses
Present fairly without bias

I cite:

Scholar’s name and relevant work
Which madhab or scholarly tradition
Direct quotes where possible
Context of the ruling

Example:

Imam al-Nawawi, the great Shafi’i scholar, explains in his commentary on Sahih Muslim: “[quote].” (Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, Volume X, Page Y)

Phase 4: Context & Application

I provide:

Historical context of rulings
Explanation of Islamic legal principles (usul al-fiqh)
How rulings apply in modern contexts
When consultation with local scholars is necessary

I acknowledge:

When rulings differ based on circumstances
When modern applications require scholarly ijtihad
When personal situations need individual fatwa

Source Credibility Standards

Tier 1: Primary Islamic Sources (Highest Authority)

The Quran: Direct Word of Allah
Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim: Highest authenticity hadith collections
Consensus (Ijma) of scholars: On fundamental matters
Four Imams’ established positions: In their respective madhahib

Tier 2: Classical Authoritative Scholarship

Classical tafsir scholars: Ibn Kathir, al-Tabari, al-Qurtubi
Classical hadith scholars: Ibn Hajar, al-Nawawi, al-Dhahabi
Classical fuqaha (jurists): Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Ghazali, etc.
Authenticated hadith collections: Sunan collections (graded sahih or hasan)

Tier 3: Contemporary Trusted Scholarship

Contemporary major scholars: From mainstream Sunni tradition
Reputable fatwa councils: With qualified muftis
Academic Islamic institutions: Al-Azhar, Islamic universities
Authenticated contemporary works: By recognized scholars

Tier 4: Supplementary Sources

Islamic history texts: From reliable historians
Seerah (biographical) works: Ibn Hisham, Ibn Kathir, authenticated modern works
Arabic language references: For linguistic clarity

I clearly indicate source tier when it matters for evaluating reliability.

Handling Sensitive Islamic Topics

Controversial Fiqh Issues

For sensitive rulings (marriage, divorce, inheritance, warfare, etc.):

Present mainstream scholarly positions clearly
Acknowledge differences where they exist
Emphasize need for personal consultation with qualified scholars
Provide historical and legal context
Avoid sensationalism or inflammatory language

Interfaith Topics

When discussing other religions:

Present Islamic perspective as taught in Quran and Sunnah
Maintain respect while being truthful about Islamic positions
Avoid unnecessary mockery or disrespect
Acknowledge common ground where it exists
Present Islamic truth claims clearly without apology

Women’s Rights & Gender Issues

When discussing gender-related rulings:

Present Quranic verses and authentic hadiths
Explain wisdom and context of Islamic rulings
Address common misconceptions respectfully
Acknowledge cultural practices vs. Islamic rulings
Present scholarly explanations clearly

Jihad & Warfare

When discussing jihad:

Explain comprehensive meaning (spiritual struggle, lawful defensive warfare, etc.)
Present classical Islamic rules of warfare
Clarify conditions and restrictions
Condemn extremist misinterpretations explicitly
Emphasize legitimate authority requirements

Sectarian Issues

When discussing Sunni-Shia differences:

Focus on respectful explanation of differences
Avoid inflammatory language or sectarian hatred
Acknowledge common ground
Present Sunni perspective without takfir
Encourage unity on fundamentals

AI Use in Islamic Content

How I Use AI

AI assists with:

Research assistance (gathering sources)
Arabic-English translation support
Content organization and structuring
Grammar and readability

Mandatory Human Verification

AI does NOT replace:

✅ My verification of all Islamic sources: Every Quranic verse, hadith, and scholarly opinion checked by me against original sources

✅ My reading of actual tafsir and hadith commentaries: I read the actual Islamic texts, not just AI summaries

✅ My judgment about authenticity: I verify hadith gradings and scholarly credibility

✅ My responsibility for Islamic accuracy: Final content approved by me after thorough verification

AI can hallucinate:

Fake hadiths that sound authentic
False attributions to scholars
Incorrect verse numbers
Fabricated Islamic rulings

This is why human verification is mandatory before publishing any Islamic content.

Corrections Policy

When I Make Mistakes

Despite careful research, errors happen—misquoted hadith, wrong verse numbers, incorrect scholarly attributions, misunderstandings of rulings.

How I handle Islamic errors:

1. Minor Errors

Wrong hadith numbers, typos in Arabic, incorrect verse numbers
Corrected inline: [Corrected: October 11, 2025 — Changed Surah 2:183 to 2:184]

2. Significant Islamic Errors

Misattributed hadith, wrong scholarly position, incorrect ruling
Correction notice at article top:

CORRECTION (October 11, 2025): This article previously stated [incorrect information]. The correct Islamic ruling/information is [correction]. Source: [authentic reference]. We seek Allah’s forgiveness for this error.

3. Hadith Authentication Errors

Citing weak hadith as sahih, or vice versa
Prominent correction with proper grading:

CORRECTION: The hadith cited was incorrectly graded as sahih. Sheikh al-Albani classified it as da’if (weak). The article has been updated to reflect correct grading.

4. Scholarly Disagreement

Presented only one view when scholars differ
Additional views added:

UPDATE: This article has been updated to include additional scholarly opinions on this matter. Original analysis below, with added perspectives from [scholars/madhahib].

What’s NOT an Error

Presenting a madhab’s position you personally disagree with
Following one scholarly opinion when you follow another
Not covering every single scholarly difference
Presenting Sunni views when you’re from another tradition

Report Islamic Errors

Email: contact@islamjourney.org
Subject: “Islamic Content Correction: [Article Title]”

Include:

Specific Islamic error (verse, hadith, ruling)
Why it’s wrong
Authentic Islamic sources supporting correction (Quran verse, sahih hadith, recognized scholarly reference)

I aim to:

Review within 48-72 hours
Investigate with authentic sources
Publish corrections within 3-5 business days if verified
Respond personally to substantive Islamic scholarly feedback

Islamic knowledge is sacred trust (amanah). I take corrections seriously.

Revenue & Independence

How This Blog Is Funded

Currently:

Self-funded: All costs from personal resources

Future:

Donations (Sadaqah): Voluntary reader support
Google AdSense: Display ads (I don’t control which ads appear)
Affiliate links: For Islamic books/resources (marked as “affiliate link”)
No zakat accepted: This is not a zakat-eligible charity

What I will NEVER accept:

Money from extremist groups
Funding for promoting specific interpretations
Payments for favorable coverage
Any arrangement compromising Islamic integrity

If any revenue source ever tries to influence Islamic content, I will refuse, drop them, and disclose publicly.

Respect for Islamic Sacred Figures

Language & Honorifics

I use proper Islamic honorifics:

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)
Other Prophets عليه السلام (alayhi as-salam – peace be upon him)
Companions رضي الله عنه (radiyallahu anhu – may Allah be pleased with him)
Scholars رحمه الله (rahimahullah – may Allah have mercy on him)

These show respect required in Islamic tradition.

No Disrespect of Sacred Figures

Content will NEVER:

Disrespect Allah, the Quran, or Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Mock Islamic beliefs or practices
Blaspheme or use inappropriate language about sacred matters
Present Islam in intentionally negative light

Comment Moderation Standards

Welcome

✅ Respectful questions about Islam
✅ Sharing additional authentic sources
✅ Polite disagreement with evidence
✅ Personal Islamic experiences
✅ Corrections with proper sources

Not Tolerated

❌ Blasphemy against Allah, Prophet ﷺ, or Islam
❌ Takfir or declaring Muslims kafir unjustly
❌ Sectarian hatred or attacks
❌ Promoting extremism or violence
❌ Islamophobic trolling
❌ Disrespecting Islamic sacred figures
❌ Spam or off-topic posts

Moderation decisions are final.

Continuous Improvement

I am constantly learning.

As I study more:

Articles may be updated with better understanding
Mistakes will be corrected
Additional scholarly perspectives may be added
Content quality improves over time

This is jihad al-ilm (struggle for knowledge)—a lifelong journey.

Contact for Editorial Questions

Email: contact@islamjourney.org
Subject: “Editorial Policy Question”

Appropriate for:

Questions about research methodology
Suggestions for Islamic sources
Requests for additional scholarly views
Islamic content corrections

Response time: 5-10 business days

Conclusion: My Commitment

This Editorial Policy represents my commitment to:

✅ Authentic Islamic sources (Quran, Sunnah, recognized scholarship)
✅ Sunni framework (transparent about orientation)
✅ Scholarly rigor (proper citation and verification)
✅ Intellectual honesty (acknowledging limitations)
✅ Respect for differences (ikhtilaf on secondary matters)
✅ Independence (no organizational control)
✅ Accountability (corrections and transparency)