Ce passage intéresse particulièrement ceux qui s'intéressent à la recherche scientifique Il raconte une belle histoire récente vécue avec un collègue cher
Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings. Some may be surprised by the title of this meeting: “Even in scientific research (and whoever fears God, He will make a way out for him),” and think to themselves: “Of course, this is a general principle that applies to everything.” This is true, but some, when engaging in scientific research, behave as if they do not believe this principle applies to this field. They engage in practices lacking in piety and integrity.
In this regard, I would like to share a pleasant story with you, one full of lessons. Its protagonist is a dear colleague, Dr. Ayman, with whom I had the honor of co-supervising his master’s thesis many years ago. He called me and said: “Doctor, something happened, and I would like to consult you about it.”
Dr. Ayman had submitted a scientific paper (a new research) to a journal, acting as the corresponding author. As is customary, the journal sent the paper to reviewers for their feedback. The first reviewer’s comments were ordinary, but the second reviewer asked Dr. Ayman to include 13 other scientific papers as references.
Dr. Ayman recounts: “When I looked at these papers, I found that they had no direct relevance to my research. I was surprised. By tracing these papers, I discovered that the same name appeared in all of them.” It is sometimes known that a reviewer may suggest that an author cite a paper related to the topic (citation), but requesting the inclusion of 13 unrelated papers is a suspicious and ethically unacceptable behavior.
Dr. Ayman drafted a response to the journal and consulted me about it. I suggested he include phrases clarifying the unprofessional nature of this request. Dr. Ayman reviewed the comments from the second reviewer, which were phrased as obligations: “You must include the following papers,” claiming that they would improve the reference list and the discussion of the research.
Dr. Ayman could have complied with the reviewer’s request to easily secure acceptance of his paper, but he chose the path of integrity. He sent a message to the journal stating: “I thank you for reviewing my paper, but I have noticed a serious ethical concern in the comments of the second reviewer. They requested the addition of 13 references to a specific individual that have no direct relevance to my research.”
He emphasized in his message: “I am aware that responding to these requests would increase the chances of my paper being accepted, but I am convinced of the necessity to uphold scientific honesty and ethical integrity, especially since your journal has a good reputation.” He asked the journal to guide him on how to handle this situation.
Dr. Ayman sent his message in the evening, and the next morning, the journal replied that they would refer the matter to the editor. That same evening, a beautiful and meaningful response arrived. The editor apologized for what had happened and described the reviewer’s requests as “a departure from ethical standards.”
The editor wrote in his message: “I would like to express my personal gratitude to you for upholding scientific integrity and publication ethics in a way that could have made it easier to accept your work. Your vigilance and commitment to the reputation of our journal and the scientific community deserve praise.” He asked Dr. Ayman to disregard the second reviewer’s comments entirely and focus only on the constructive feedback from the first reviewer.
But the surprises did not end there. The final part of the message revealed an even greater offer: the journal, in coordination with the publisher, proposed that Dr. Ayman become the editor-in-chief of one of their journals, tailored to his expertise, as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to research ethics and his professional handling of the incident.
This wonderful example embodies the Quranic verse:
When they have reached their term, either keep them honorably or part from them honorably. And call to witness two just men from among you. And establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent. (Quran 65:2-3)
From this story, we can derive several lessons:
My final advice: Be steadfast in upholding what is right, do not compromise on what is wrong, and fear God in every aspect of your life.
Peace be upon you and God’s mercy.