Dharma is different from religion...

Dharma (Hinduism describes dharma as the natural universal laws whose observance enables humans to be contented and happy, and to save himself from degradation and suffering. Dharma is the moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life. Hindus consider dharma the very foundation of life.) is what everyone holds within, intrinsically and inherently. Of course, humans have the freedom not to follow the dharma but all other species must follow their respective dharma. Obviously, it means that every thing's dharma is determined by the Dharmaraja, the designer and creator of the creation. For example, the fire has its dharma of giving heat and light and it always does so. We have the freedom to follow the dharma or otherwise but then we must be prepared for the rewards in accordance with the Law of Karma that applies to us. So, the dharma for the human beings is what is acceptable to every objectively thinking, intelligent and reasonable human being. It is not that we decide what our dharma is; we merely discover it within our pure conscience.