GIO: A Journey of Togetherness

Walking an Islamic path alone comes with its own subtle challenges. When you are not surrounded by people your age who remind you, correct you, and encourage you, it becomes easy to drift. Motivation fades. Discipline weakens. And sometimes, we lose direction too. The presence of jama’ah and shared growth brings steadiness to that path, and being part of such a space allowed me to experience that truth more consciously.

GIO is a place where we learn about Islam together and still grow as human beings, a place where life skills and faith are not separated, but aligned. Where our values shape our ambitions, and our ambitions do not contradict our values. These things go hand in hand. More than just a circle, it became a form of sisterhood, grounded in faith, accountability, and genuine care for one another’s akhirah. Along the way, I also found myself meeting individuals I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. Through those interactions, I expanded my circle and built connections that were not just social but meaningful.

One of the most memorable experiences in my journey was attending the three-day annual GIO camp last year. In that shared space, something shifted. From the way the day began with the words of Allah to the way it ended in reflection, every moment felt intentional. Surrounded by reminders, discussions, and collective worship, I felt a renewed clarity about purpose. It was a quiet realisation that we were not sent into this world merely to exist, but to worship Allah, strengthen our iman, and live consciously. Those three days did not feel separate from real life; they felt like a model for how life should be lived. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the words of Allah: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103) Perhaps that is what this experience has truly been: learning not just to hold onto my faith individually, but to hold onto it together. And my journey continues… #MyGIOJourney

#JoinGIO Author: Aisha Alia Sha, Mogappair Unit, GIO Chennai Metro Date: 12 February 2026