When My Youth Found Direction: My GIO Journey

At the age of sixteen, my parents enrolled me in CIO classes, which later led me to continue in GIO. At that time, I did not fully understand how important that decision would become in my life. Today, I look back with gratitude for that beginning.

I still remember my first class on Surah Asr, taught by Janab Basheer from JIH Coimbatore. From that day until my Akhirah, I remain grateful for the lesson I learned. That class taught me the value of time and responsibility. Alhamdulillah, GIO helped me use my time in a meaningful way.

I also remember a Tazkiyah session by Janab Saleem Sahib from JIH Coimbatore, on the topic of friendship and its status in the Akhirah. That reminder made me reflect deeply on the kind of companions I wanted in my life. It strengthened my decision to stay connected with GIO.

Through GIO, I experienced character building and personality development. I learned to become skilful and confident. The most important change in me was learning not to waste time.

There was a moment when my father asked me to join a GIO summer class, but I wanted to attend a marriage instead. At that time, I fell ill. My father reminded me to work for the Akhirah, not for the temporary world. That question became a turning point in my life. Alhamdulillah, that spark led me to become a committed member and strive to be part of the Khair Ummah.

Allah calls us to remain united as an organised group so that we become the Khair Ummah, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, seeking His pleasure. GIO became a means for me to move in that direction. What began at sixteen became a lifelong journey toward purpose and accountability.

#MYGIOJourney

#JOINGIO Author: Thasneem Mubeena, Former Zonal President, GIO Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Date: 12 February 2026