By Ibrahim Salihu
For some, religion is a calendar of rituals. A list of dates and obligations to tick off as the day, month and year rolls by. For others, it’s a compass, a set of principles that quietly but firmly points the way forward. The question is which one is it for you? Do you practice faith because you’ve always done so, or because it helps you make decisions, shape your responses, and find balance in this chaotic world?
It’s a question worth asking, because while routines can keep us steadfast, they can also become mechanical. And a machine, however consistent, can’t tell you where you’re going.
When Religion Becomes Routine
Routine isn’t inherently bad to be precise. Habits give structure to our life. But when faith becomes nothing more than a routine, it loses its power to guide. There comes a time when you may not notice a major shift in your life, simply because you’ve overly normalized religious practices and forgetting that they are meant to be intentional, not automatic. It becomes attending services without reflecting on the message, Saying prayers without engaging the heart, Observing traditions without remembering their meaning.
This kind of religion is like carrying a map you never unfold but you know it’s there, you know it’s supposed to help, but you never actually check it to see where you are or where to go next.
In this form, faith becomes inherited rather than embraced. It’s something you were taught to do, not something you actively choose to live by.
When Religion Becomes a Roadmap
On the other hand, religion as a roadmap is alive. It’s not just a set of motions, but a magnifier through which you see the world more clearly.
It’s the text you turn to when you’re unsure.
It’s the principle that whispers “wait” when anger says “speak” beyond your rationale knowledge
It’s the reminder that shapes your reaction before the reaction even comes.
This form of faith isn’t about doing things just because they’re familiar. It’s about aligning your actions, choices, and priorities with something deeper than convenience or culture.
A roadmap doesn’t just tell you where you are, it helps you decide where to go next.
The Danger of Routine Without Roadmap
The truth is, routine without meaning can be deceptive in real sense. You can feel religious, yet be lost in the very decisions your faith is supposed to help you make. You can go through all the outward motions while making choices that go against the core principles you claim to follow.
And then, when life throws something unexpected for instance a betrayal, a loss, a moral dilemma, you might find yourself with traditions to keep you busy, but no guidance to help you navigate.
That’s why religion as a roadmap matters! It’s not just for worship days, it’s for Tuesday afternoons when you have to choose between honesty and personal gain. It’s for late nights when the weight of your decisions keeps you awake.
Rationality and Faith
Some people think being rational means leaving faith out of the equation. But the general definition of rationality isn’t “faithless.” It’s about making decisions based on reason and sound judgment.
Religion, at its best, complements rationality. Principles grounded in centuries of reflection and moral reasoning often align with the very values people call “common sense.”
Sure, you might find a quote on social media that inspires you and if it aligns with what you believe, maybe it’s worth applying. But trends fade. The post that moved you today will be buried under a hundred new ones tomorrow. Timeless guidance, however, doesn’t expire.
Real-Life Contrasts
Now imagine two people faced with a heated argument.
The routine-only believer reacts based on mood. Their faith might be present in name, but it’s absent in the moment of decision.
The roadmap believer recalls a principle: “Be slow to anger.” They pause, measure their words, and choose peace.
Or picture a business deal that requires bending the truth:
Routine-only faith says, “It’s just business.”Roadmap faith says, “Integrity matters here too.”
The difference is not in how often they attend religious gatherings, but in how deeply the teachings are connected into their everyday choices.
Seeking the Guide, Not Just the Habit
Faith’s true role is to guide, not just occupy time. If your practice is mostly about keeping up appearances or ticking boxes, you might be missing its greatest gift is “clarity” in moments of uncertainty.
As the old saying goes: “He who seeks… shall find.”
Seek the wisdom in the rituals you perform. Ask yourself why they exist, and how they can light the path ahead.
Religion as a routine can keep you moving.
Religion as a roadmap can make sure you’re moving in the right direction.
The question remains: Which one is yours?
(c) 2025 Ibrahim Salihu writes from Kano.
