Editorial Policies

Summary

The purpose of these editorial guidelines is to protect and foster the bond of trust between Islamic Finance Guru (IFG) and its readers, viewers, and listeners, and to protect the integrity of IFG’s journalism and publishing across all formats. 

As a set of guidelines, this document does not form part of any staff member’s contract of employment at IFG, nor part of any disciplinary, promotional, or recruitment procedure. 

However, by observing these guidelines, IFG employees will be protecting the independence, standing, and reputation of themselves and their colleagues. 

Freelancers, when working on behalf of IFG, are also expected to abide by these guidelines, though are not contractually obliged to.

Professional Practice

Attribution

a) Anonymous quotations

IFG recognises that sources will often speak more honestly if they are allowed to speak anonymously.

The use of non-attributed quotes can therefore often assist the reader towards a more accurate understanding of a subject than if a journalist used only on-the-record quotes. 

IFG endeavours to be open, honest, and straightforward about its sources, even if we can’t name them specifically.

c) Credits

Staff must not reproduce other people’s material without attribution, other than in exceptional circumstances – for example, where the source cannot be identified – and only with approval from the editor-in-chief. 

The source of published material obtained from another organisation should be acknowledged, including quotes taken from other newspaper articles, through embedded hyperlinks or other means. 

Bylines should be carried only on material that is substantially the work of the bylined journalist. 

If an article contains a significant amount of agency copy, then the agency should be credited as such.

Commissioning/payments

IFG publishes content sourced from a range of paid and unpaid external contributors. 

Where appropriate, freelance rates, deliverables, and accreditation on publishing are agreed on a case-by-case basis between the freelancer and the editor-in-chief prior to accepting a submission. 

Sponsors

With regard to sponsored content, IFG marks such content by including the logo of the sponsor in the featured image at the head of each article.

Copy approval

IFG’s general rule is that sources do not have a right to copy approval.

However, in certain circumstances, we may allow sources to see copy or quotes before publishing, and may allow them to alter such copy or quotes before publishing.

IFG is under no obligation to alter copy or quotes based on a source’s demands, but will do so in good faith and on a case-by-case basis, where IFG judges that the altered copy does not alter the accuracy, sense, or meaning of the story in question.   

Moreover, IFG avoids offering copy approval as a method of securing interviews or co-operation.

Copyright

IFG does not use content from non-authorised third-party sources – whether images, text, or other media – without obtaining the necessary permissions. 

There are limited legal situations where permission may not be needed, but IFG authors must check with the CEO before using such copyrighted material without permission.

Of relevance here are Sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, which outlines so-called fair dealing exceptions for the use of copyrighted works without licensing under certain circumstances.

Errors

It is the policy of IFG to correct significant errors as soon as possible.

IFG authors and editors have a duty to cooperate frankly and openly with IFG readers and listeners and to report errors to them.

All complaints should be brought to the attention of the readers’ editors, and dealt with swiftly and on a case-by-case basis, if necessary.

In the case of significant, material errors, IFG commits to leaving a note on the article in question explaining what was updated. 

However, in the case of typos and cosmetic errors, IFG will endeavour to correct the published article as quickly as possible.

Fairness

In terms of accuracy, bias, and objectivity, IFG will always distinguish between comment, conjecture, and fact.

When necessary – in IFG’s reportage – factual claims based will be referenced in full, using hyperlinks to first-hand sources where possible.

With regard to criticism or allegations concerning specific companies or individuals, IFG believes in the principle of a right to reply.

Language

IFG publishes using British English spelling and style. 

Sources

Sources promised confidentiality must be protected at all costs. 

However, where possible, IFG’s sources of information should be identified as specifically and openly as possible.

Final Words

Updates and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in practices or external standards.

Contributors will be notified of any significant changes to this policy.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding our editorial policies, please contact us here.