Shaikh Mufti Mohammad Rafi’ Usmani (Allah preserve him) said,
‘It must be explicitly clear that Islam is not merely a religion.
This is especially so as the religion is defined as a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values.
Islam is a Dīn. That is, religion PLUS a complete way of life. It provides guidance for each and every aspect of human life.
The Holy Quran and the blessed sayings of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) repeatedly mention that Islam is a Dīn and not merely a religion (madhab).
‘Today, I have perfected your Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you.[5:3]
‘Whoever seeks a Dīn (religion and a way of life) other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers. [3:85]
Struggle for (seeking the pleasure of) Allah, a struggle that is owed to Him. He has chosen you and did not impose any hardship on you in the Dīn, the faith (religion and a way) of life of your father Ibrāhīm. He (Allah) named you as Muslims earlier and also in this (Qur’ān), so that the Messenger becomes a witness to you, and you become witnesses to (other) people. So establish Salāh, pay Zakāh and hold fast to Allah. He is your patron. So, how excellent He is as a patron, and how excellent as a supporter![22:78]
Dīn is the exact correlate of Shari’a.
Therefore we as a Muslim have to live a life following the ways prescribed by Shari’a.
Shari’a rulings have been categorized in five subsections,
1. The article of belief (‘aqaid),
2. The methods of worship (‘ibadaat),
3. The social dealings (ma’asherat),
4. The financial & business dealings (ma’amlaat) and
5. The moral values (‘ikhlaqiyat, including siyasah).
To be a true Muslim we have to follow all these rulings in our life.’
Qari Rafeeq’s residence, Safa distt, Jeddah, bayan after maghrib, 20th January 2012