Assalaamu alaikum [peace be to you],Islam is a religion, but not in the western narrow meaning of religion. The western connotation of the term "religion" is something between the believer and God confining its scope only to the private life of man.A spiritual belief that does not deal with social behavior, economic relations and international organizations is as erroneous as the social doctrine that does not consider spiritual belief, morality and behavior. Such social doctrines are abortive attempts, incapable of total human guidance or of achieving any coherence or accord among human beings.Both the individual and the society are in dire need of a belief that accommodates and directs all their vital activities towards construction and growth. When the individual and society adopt such a belief and apply it to life, humanity can accomplish seemingly miraculous achievements which can only occur when man unites himself with the Eternal Power that channels his personality -potential in the right direction.By saying that Islam is a complete way of life, we mean that it caters for all the fields of human existence. Islam is a religion that organizes all aspects of life on both the individual and national levels. Islam provides guidance for man from the Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, As a complete way of life; it gives guidance in respect of conducting man’s private, social, political, economic, moral and spiritual affairs. Islam provides answers to man’s most pressing questions on life, such as the purpose of creation, final destiny and man’s place in the universe and among its other creatures.Islam does not separate spiritual and secular life as unrelated entities. it establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of economics, and the laws of buying and selling...Islam is not practiced in the mosque only, it is for daily life, a guide to life in all its aspects: socially, economically, and politically. Islam is complete constitution. therefore, someone can not call for separation between religion and state in Islam, because that's impossible.Islam creates harmony in the mind, the soul and the body in a marvelous way. The need for Islam emerges from the humanity’s search for a constitution that provides guidance and satisfaction in all spheres of life. It is a code of life that is not limited to partial needs, but rather a way of life that penetrates all barriers to interact with people’s needs in this life and beyond. It is a way of life where there is no discrimination between what is sacred and what is secular.To understand the essence of Islam is to understand the very essence of humanity. More than a religion, Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life leading to a balanced way of living. Islam brings civilization and happiness to man. Islamic principles and teachings can provide realistic, fair and objective solutions to the prevention of individual, familial, social and international problems which are threatening the existence of human communities throughout the world.I hope this was beneficialWant to learn more about Islam? check out these articles:More from this Series:If I am right, it is from the God. if I am wrong, it is from myself.