What is IMP, Why should manufacturer practiced IMP ? [ 08-01-2010 ]

Where as Islamic Manufacturing Practice (IMP) is intended to provide guidance under an appropriate system for managing Shar’iah Compliance. It is also intended to ensure that all meet requirements for quality, efficacy and purity which they purport or are represented to possess the standard of. “HALAALAN THOYYIBA“; It is essential to mention the stringency of IMP methodology in manufacturing process proceeds from early steps to final steps, purification, and lawful. The IMP practices for use in the handling (including producing, preparing, processing, packaging, storing, transporting, distribution and sale) of products for human consumption in order to ensure a safe, sound and wholesome product but, physical and spiritual processing must be in accordance to the SYAHADA – Confession of a Muslim ascribing to Iman, Islam dan Ihsan.

According to Islamic law, the “legal status” AHKAM ., there are five Ahkam: 1. Compulsory (Wajib). 2. Desirable but not compulsory (Mustahabb). 3.Forbidden (Muharram). 4. Disliked but not forbidden (Makruh). 5. Lawful and allowed (Halal). Subjected to Islamic Jurisprudence the application of the HukumTaklifi and Wadi’ie and the naturally created inclinations (Fitrah)

The fundamental and the paramount obligation of Muslim is ultimately subject to puchases and consume lawful (halal) but also food or product that eliminate instances of contamination, mix-ups, errors and Haram (unlawful), and may not conflict with Shari’ah principles. The non conformity may result in very serious consequences or even dangerous.

(Narrated An-Numan Bin Basir – I heard Allah’s messenger saying. “Both legal and illegal things are evident but between them there are doubtful (unclear) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these unclear things, he saves his religion and his honour – Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 1 Hadith No.49)

Unless otherwise modern manufacturing outfit with established standard may implement appropriate measures to prevent cross-contamination from personnel and materials in producing hygiene goods, but it cannot escape the defects and drawbacks that are inherent in every human endeavour. The critical deviations are the impurity in spiritual and physical compliance. Verily, they may enjoy and feast, must fall short of conveying Tagwa ilallah.

That Allah may reward them according to the best of theirs deeds, and add even more for them out of his Grace. And Allah provides without measure to whom He will.

However, considerations, hereinafter an inherent responsibility (Fard’Ain and Fard Kifayah) of a muslim is to procure products form IMP manufacturer.

IMP focuses on identifying and preventing hazards from contaminating food and soul is based on sound Shari’ah and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) principals thus abstain from all kinds of sin and evil eeds prohibited in Islam. Revelation of all kinds of good deeds which he has ordained.IMP is designed for use in all segments of the industry.

The Shari’ah principles of IMP must be universally accepted by government agencies, trade associations and the food industry around the world. The following guidelines will facilitate the development and implementation of effective IMP plans. While the specific application of IMP to manufacturing facilities is emphasized here,

1. Establishment and Entrepreneurship
2. Personnel
3. Process

In the manufacture of products, overall control and monitoring is essential to ensure that the consumer receives products of specified quality; efficacy and purity in accordance to Islamic Guidelines. The accreditation of certification body like WHO, ISO, HACCP, CE Europe) or KOSHER (Israel) or HALAL (JAKIM) are sought after by most manufacturers. Many fail to realize that the Islamic ccreditation and certification is base on the concept of HALAALAN THOYYIBA.

For a successful IMP program to be properly implemented, management must be committed to IMP approach. A commitment by management will indicate an awareness of the benefits and costs of IMP and include education and training (Tabiah) of employees. Benefits, in addition to enhanced assurance of food/product safety, are better use of resources and timely response to problems. The practical effectiveness of training (Tabiah) is not only creating employment opportunity but also as a Centre of Excellence for delivery of good –doers (Al-Muhsinun)

(That Allah may reward them according to the best of theirs deeds, and add even more for them out of his Grace. And Allah provides without measure to whom He wills- Surah 24. An-Nur)

There should be an adequate Muslim number of personnel qualified by appropriate education, training and/or experience to perform and supervise the manufacture of products. Training (Tarbiah wa Ta’lim) should be regularly conducted by qualified scholars. The practical effectiveness of the training (Tarbiah) should be periodically assessed. The guidance and knowledge from the Centre of Excellence opens one’s heart to receive truth and wisdom.

The reward of deeds depend upon intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended

IMP as an effective and rational means of assuring food/product safety from production (beginning) stage to consumption. Preventing problems from occurring is the paramount goal underlying any IMP system. Perform duties and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds prohibited in Halaalan Thoyyiba principles. Conducting commercial activities in accordance to Islamic principle is considering Jihad fisabililah (Holy fighting in the cause of Allah or any other kind of effort to make Allah’s word (i.e. Islam) superior). Jihad is regarded as one of fundamentals of Islam. Therefore intention is act of worship (Ibadat). The intention while doing such deeds must be totally for accordance with Sunnah (legal ways, orders, act of worship, statements) of Allah‘s messenger (Muhammad).

These manufacturing/production activities depend on the starting materials, production and quality control processes, building, equipment and personnel involved. The software elements of it include hazard analysis, identification, establishing limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification and validation procedures, house-keeping, record-keeping and documentation. Under such systems, if a deviation occurs indicating that control has been lost, the deviation is detected and appropriate steps are taken to reestablish control in a timely manner to assure that potentially hazardous products do not reach the consumer.

The fundamental responsibility for production activities should include but not necessarily be limited to:

a. Clean and purification water must be accordance to Shari’ah principle.
b. Perform Ablution and understand the Thaharah principle. Al-Hadath – State of uncleanness because of discharge are prohibited in entering the production area. But they may be present at non production area.
c. Recital of Bismillah … and Doa has to be initiated at all manufacturing processes
d. Music is not allowable but reciting of holy verse is permitted.
e. Preparing, reviewing, approving and distributing the instructions for the production of intermediates or finish products according to written procedures subject to the HukumTaklifi and Wadi’ie.
f. Making sure that production facilities are clean and when necessary disinfected in accordance to Shari’ah principle
g. Making sure that HukumTaklifi and Wadi’ie validation plans, protocols and reports are reviewed and approved;

In order to verify compliance with the principles of IMP for products, regular internal audits and self inspection should be performed in accordance with an approved schedule. Audit findings and corrective actions should be documented and brought to the attention of responsible management of the firm. Agreed corrective actions should be completed in a timely and effective manner.