Mission 100 Articles: A Creative Writing Workshop that Inspired Change

– Atoofa Nasiha

The GIO Andhra Pradesh hosted a series of media and design workshops, spanning four non-consecutive days starting from October 4, 2025, every Saturday and Sunday. The workshops were designed exclusively for girls from all states, providing a platform to learn and enhance media skills in a structured and engaging way.

Zonal Media Secretary of GIO Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Atoofa Nasiha, led the Impactful Creative Writing for Media workshop, which was one part of the four-part series. Other sessions included Graphic Design and Canva Basics, Carousel and Poster Design, and Video Editing with Audio Alignment.

The workshops attracted around 150 registrations, with 130 participants from across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and other states actively attending the sessions. The series encouraged participants to explore their creativity and apply practical media skills in real-world scenarios.

On October 11, 2025, the Impactful Creative Writing Workshop left a lasting impression on participants, inspiring them to embrace writing as a way for expression and impactful communication while offering challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones.

Atoofa Nasiha began the session by emphasising that no matter how much one learns about writing, grammar, or style, true progress only comes through practice. She highlighted that initial attempts might fail, but these are the essential steps in mastering the craft. Whether attending a short two-hour workshop or a six-month course, the key lies in starting to write and consistently applying the skills learned. She compared potential without action to iron left unused, which eventually rusts; similarly, a language or skill not practised remains wasted.

Addressing the participants, she encouraged each attendee to write for publication after the session. Even a single page could mark the beginning of their journey as a budding published writer. Participants were reassured that they could take their time, focus on one page, and then explore opportunities to publish their work.

The Five Essential Steps Before Writing

Atoofa outlined a simple yet powerful approach to writing effectively. She explained that before putting words on paper, one must engage in observing, reading, listening, and speaking. These activities form the foundation for impactful writing. She presented the steps in a clear sequence:

Thinking → Reading → Observing → Speaking → Writing → Impactful Writing

These five interconnected steps help participants gather and process information in ways that are often overlooked. She emphasised that if these steps are not practised properly, expressing oneself through any form of writing becomes difficult. Mastering these elements ensures that writing is not just mechanical but meaningful and influential.

The Foundations of Impactful Writing

She began by highlighting the importance of thinking as a powerful tool every writer must possess. “Thinking shapes our entire personality and includes faith, the Imaan in what we believe”. Participants were encouraged to reflect, “Am I going to focus on trends, films, and shopping, or am I going to plan by learning new skills that could add value to my resume and benefit me in the hereafter?” Thinking, mindset, beliefs, and intention collectively reflect what we choose to write and how we write. The choices we make in thinking directly influence what we write and how we write.

Moving forward, the session emphasised reading. “By reading I do not just mean books and newspapers but every single source through which you can collect information,” she explained. An example was given, “If you are reporting an event, you should either be present or recall everything that happened or observe attentively during sessions. You are reading everything that is happening.” To illustrate, one of the facilitator’s published articles in Radiance Viewsweekly was shared as an example to show how an article or essay requires three main parts: Introduction, Main Content or Body, and Conclusion.

The session then moved onto listening. Listening plays a crucial role in acquiring knowledge. “Listening to good speeches, podcasts, or continual YouTube videos is a way of passive learning,” she shared. Even if participants were not present at an event, they could ask someone who attended and “listen carefully to cover the report.” The example of the Prophet Series posted by GIO Chennai was shared. “The primary source is the Quran, and the series by Mufti Ismail Menk, Nouman Ali Khan and Belal Assad helps understand the incidents, but I supplement it with explanations relating those incidents to modern scenarios. This is how we collect content for writing.”

Speaking was discussed next. “Women love to talk because we are expressive creatures. Our tongues can gain us rewards or bring harm. May Allah protect each one of us,” she said. Participants were encouraged, “Only through speaking will you understand all the things accumulated in your mind. Check whether your conversations are about neighbours’ fights, gossip, celebrities, or whether you are discussing history, seerah, politics, or skill-building that can improve your nation and society.” Speaking and writing are both forms of expression, but speaking first allows interaction and feedback. “At times you may change what you wrote because you saw it differently through your friends’ perspectives, or you may feel more confident because your ideas are strong and need more explanation,” the session explained. Speaking, therefore, is both a way of reflection and a prelude to writing.

Finally, the session addressed writing itself. “Make it a habit. Write for WhatsApp statuses, maintain a daily journal, write about random topics,” Atoofa advised. Personal writing allows freedom to care less about rules. Examples were shared: “Describe the first day of the rainy season, the day before your sister’s wedding, a visit to your school or college, or a hometown experience.” The facilitator shared her own journal entries such as “Honouring my Purpose” and “Honesty is my Integrity.” Writing here is about turning excessive speaking into focused written expression. “Writing is not just a way of expression but filters our thinking and perception of the world,” she concluded.

From Personal Writing to Impactful Writing

The session then moved onto explaining how personal writing evolves into impactful writing. “Impactful Writing is just the same as personal writing, but the difference is that every step becomes purposeful and meaningful,” she shared. Participants were encouraged, “Practise impactful thinking, impactful observing, impactful reading, and impactful listening.”

Atoofa explained that the same personal topics can be presented with a wider purpose. “You are not just sharing your personal experience, but doing so with a purpose-oriented mindset,” she said. An example was shared: “A visit to your school. You can write about nostalgia, the beautiful parts you experienced, and then reflect on what you expected from the management during school. You can share what you wish your super juniors would receive that you did not get, and why you are writing this. This helps advocate for a better education system, because the development of a nation starts from our own homes, schools, and society.”

Journaling was discussed as a tool for personal writing. “Journals hold your reflections, help develop personality, and preserve memories and moments you enjoyed,” she explained. However, in impactful writing, the same journal entries extend beyond self-reflection. “You focus not just on yourself, but on your community, society, and others, writing with the aim of contributing to their betterment.”

Building the Habit and Craft of Writing

The session then moved onto practical advice for starting to write. “If you speak good English, just start writing,” participants were encouraged. “If you are not confident in writing or speaking, start listening to English khutbahs, news, and informative podcasts. It begins with thinking and listening first, and then writing about what you have absorbed.” Participants were reminded, “You can correct your content using Grammarly or AI, but remember, AI is just for corrections, not for writing your thoughts for you.”

Guidance was also shared for budding writers: “Work on your grammar, practise story-style writing, and include adjectives to make your writing vivid. For example, describe a ‘warm morning’ or a ‘tenacious woman’, someone who never gives up and is determined with her tasks.” The importance of tense was also highlighted, with the advice that grammar should be learned through use, not by memorising definitions.

The session emphasised learning through writing. “Many of us have been told to write ten new words every day with their meanings. How many of us remember them? We forget because we do not use them in sentences, through speech or writing. That is why article writing is an excellent practice. It is not just about what you already know. You refer to different sources, learn as you write, and enhance your knowledge simultaneously through the process.”

Structuring Your Writing and Using Tense Effectively

The session then moved onto the structure of writing. Participants were reminded, “Every article or essay requires three main parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. The body alone will change based on your topic, and as you write, you will find how you want to deliver your message.”

Tense was discussed next. “To be honest, I have been speaking well and have published articles, yet I cannot define all the tenses formally. I have been using them naturally. The best way to learn how to use tenses is through writing. You will notice if you make a mistake with tense in your writing, and then you can correct it. This hands-on approach helps you internalise proper usage far better than memorising rules.”

The Mission – 100 Articles: Writing for Impact

Moving forward, Atoofa Nasiha introduced “Mission 100 Articles”, urging participants to go beyond an assignment and take up a purposeful mission.

A set of 100 titles was shared under seven themes:

1. Seerah & Islamic History
2. Qur’an & Spiritual Reflection
3. Islam & Science
4. Women, Education & Empowerment
5. India: Society, Youth & Development
6. Global & Contemporary Issues
7. Personal Growth, Morality & Reflection (Look below for the 100 titles)

The session concluded with her saying, “You all came here as learners. I hope you leave as writers with a mission. Write with purpose. Write with compassion. Write with the courage to inspire change.”

Participants’ Reflections and Feedback

Participants shared their reflections and expressed how the workshop inspired them to start writing and develop their skills.

“It was a really great session, especially for someone who is new to writing. Love the way you encourage us to write. Love your effort to talk in Urdu and really love your voice. In Sha Allah I will ask for your advice not just for this class in future also. Because your explanation just won my heart. May Allah accept your effort and hard work and ease all your problems and give you the better of this duniya and akhirah. Love you – Your sister from GIO” – Marjan, GIO Associate, Mumbra, Maharashtra.

“The workshop was great. I had never written any article before, but through this workshop, Sister Atoofa Nasiha truly inspired me to start writing. She has such an inspiring personality and conducted the session with true enthusiasm. In Sha Allah, from now on I will also try to write creatively using the tips Sister Atoofa shared with us during the session. Jazak Allahu Khairan Kaseera Wa Ahsanul Jaza for guiding us and helping us in such a beautiful way” – Sameema Khan, GIO Member, Anjangaon Surji, Maharashtra.

“Jazak Allahu khairan kaseera Sister for your insightful guidance. It’s very helpful for me. Back then I quit writing for some reason but today I listened to you and now I want to restart my writing. Thanks Sister Atoofa.” – Syed Tahura Iffat, GIO Member, Parli, Maharashtra

“The session was really fantastic, more acknowledgeable. Indeed it gave us a new perception of thinking, listening and how to enhance and apply in content writing. In Sha Allah I will apply what I have learnt” – Naila Fathima, GIO Associate, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

“Masha Allah. Thank you so much for the truly knowledgeable, creative session today! Your passion for the topic was enthusiastic, and I deeply appreciate you sharing your expertise. Jazakallahu Khairan kaseera” – GIO Member.

“This was the first ever session I have attended of creative writing and the way my sister has explained everything, the way you explained every step of how to do creative writing and how to make it impactful has motivated me to write something, and gave me confidence that I can also write something. The assignment and the topics of assignment you have given us are so thoughtful that it will make our mind work, to process something new than our professional and personal life. Jazakallah Khair sister Atoofa for such a wonderful session. May Allah bless you in this life and hereafter.” – Romaisa Khan, GIO Member, Amravati, Maharashtra.

“Ms. Atoofa Nasiha, her way of speaking, explaining, energy, thought process, analysing skills, and grace all inspired me to do something, to start something exciting. It’s a great time for me to join her class. I wish I could join again and again. Jhazakallahu Khairan Kaseera to GIO for conducting such wonderful programmes every week, encouraging youth to learn something. Finally, today’s mentor Atoofa Nasiha, Jazakallahu Khairan Kaseera for your valuable time and knowledge. I wish, May Allah grant us all righteous path and good knowledge. Ameen.” – Shaik Asma Farheen, GIO Member.

“The workshop is super good, you clearly tell us how to write and how to check the grammatical mistakes, and how to improve our writing skills. The way of your presentation is excellent. I never bore during the workshop. May Allah give you more chances to help all and give barakah in your life and Allah’s mercy is always with you. Jazakallah Khair” – Shaik Ashreen, GIO Member, Kondapalli, Andhra Pradesh.

“Mashallah. Barak’allah. It was filled with abundance of knowledge, creativity and as the headline goes, “Impactful” Great to have you in today’s session, Atoofa Nasiha” – GIO Member.

“Attended the creative writing workshop and it was really informative and inspiring Alhamdulillah! The way sister Atoofa shared her own experiences and works, the tips and tricks for creative writing really motivated us to write an article of our own. Jazakallahu Khairan” – Aaliya Maryam T.A, GIO Associate, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

“The session was truly inspiring and creative learning. I just love the way the speaker has explained the topic well.” – Faheemida Naaz Shaik, GIO Member, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Seerah & Islamic History (1-15)

1. Lessons from the Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Leadership with Mercy
2. The Brotherhood of Madinah: A Model for Modern Unity
3. How the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah Redefined Strategic Patience
4. Battle of Badr: Faith Over Numbers
5. Women of Courage: Khadijah, Aisha, and Fatimah رضي الله عنهن
6. The Role of Masjid an-Nabawi Beyond Worship
7. Justice in the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه
8. How Islam Transformed Arabia from Tribalism to Brotherhood
9. The Role of Youth in the Prophet’s ﷺ Mission
10. Prophet Yusuf’s ﷺ Story: A Journey from the Well to Wisdom
11. How Islam Elevated the Status of the Poor and the Oppressed
12. Lessons from the Hijrah: Leaving Behind for a Greater Cause
13. The Role of Women in Early Islamic Battles
14. Letters of the Prophet ﷺ to World Leaders – A Message of Peace
15. Islamic Governance: What the Caliphs Taught Us About Accountability

Qur’an & Spiritual Reflection (16-30)

16. “Indeed, With Hardship Comes Ease” – Finding Hope in Trials
17. Tawakkul: The Lost Art of Trusting Allah
18. The Concept of Time in the Qur’an
19. Gratitude as a Way of Life: Qur’anic Reflections
20. The Quran and Mental Health: Healing Through Dhikr
21. Why Dua Can Change Destiny
22. Balance Between Dunya and Deen – A Qur’anic Perspective
23. The Purpose of Life Through the Lens of Surah Al-Mulk
24. Lessons from Surah Yusuf: Patience, Forgiveness, and Faith
25. The Power of Intention (Niyyah) in Islam
26. How the Qur’an Inspires Empathy in a Divided World
27. The Meaning of True Freedom in Islam
28. Trials as Blessings: Understanding Allah’s Tests
29. The Forgotten Sunnah of Reflecting on Nature
30. How the Qur’an Encourages Intellectual Curiosity

Islam & Science (31-40)

31. Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an: Between Faith and Reason
32. The Water Cycle in the Qur’an – A Revelation Ahead of Its Time
33. Embryology and the Qur’anic Description of Human Creation
34. The Expanding Universe: Qur’anic Insights into Cosmology
35. How Islam Encouraged Scientific Curiosity in the Golden Age
36. Muslim Scientists Who Changed the World
37. The Balance of Ecosystems in Qur’anic Teachings
38. Health and Hygiene in Islam: A Guide for Modern Wellness
39. How the Qur’an Promotes Environmental Stewardship
40. The Connection Between Faith, Mind, and Medicine

Women, Education & Empowerment (41-55)

41. How Islam Uplifted Women Long Before Modern Feminism
42. Aisha رضي الله عنها – The Scholar of Islam
43. Education as Worship: Women’s Role in Islamic Scholarship
44. Hijab: Symbol of Strength, Not Suppression
45. The Misunderstood Concept of Modesty in Islam
46. Women in the Prophetic Era: Leading with Purpose
47. The Rights of Women in Marriage: Qur’anic Perspective
48. Financial Independence and Islam’s Empowered Women
49. Muslim Women in the Golden Age of Knowledge
50. The Role of Mothers in Building Civilizations
51. How Faith Protects Women from Objectification
52. Redefining Feminism Through the Teachings of Islam
53. Muslim Women and Leadership: Breaking Modern Stereotypes
54. The Story of Nusaybah bint Ka’ab — The Brave Defender of Islam
55. The Balance of Femininity and Strength in Islam

India: Society, Youth & Development (56-75)

56. Why Indian Youth Need Civic Sense More Than Ever
57. The Silent Power of Volunteering in Nation Building
58. Employment vs. Skill Development – The Real Challenge for India
59. Digital India: Bridging the Gap or Widening It?
60. The Role of Muslim Youth in India’s Progress
61. Women’s Education in India: Are We Doing Enough?
62. The Art of Coexistence in a Diverse Nation
63. Environmental Awareness in Indian Schools – A Missing Lesson
64. How Startups Are Reshaping India’s Job Landscape
65. Civic Responsibilities in a Democracy: Are We Accountable?
66. Climate Change and Chennai: The City That Teaches Resilience
67. The Floods, the Fires, and the Future: India’s Climate Reality
68. Why India Needs Moral Education Alongside Academics
69. Urbanization and the Lost Connection with Nature
70. The Role of Youth in Strengthening Indian Democracy
71. Waste Management: The Civic Habit We Forgot
72. Skill India Mission: Building a Capable Generation
73. The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs in India
74. Religious Harmony: Lessons from Everyday India
75. How India Can Lead the Way in Sustainable Living

Global & Contemporary Issues (76-90)

76. The Impact of Nuclear Weapons on Global Peace
77. Refugees of the Modern World – Lessons from Islamic Compassion
78. Islamophobia and the Media: The Need for Honest Narratives
79. The Gaza Struggle: Faith, Resistance, and Humanity
80. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Islam
81. How Technology Is Changing Our Relationships
82. Digital Modesty: Scrolling with Taqwa
83. The Psychological Cost of Social Media Validation
84. Environmental Jihad: Protecting Allah’s Creation
85. War, Greed, and the Forgotten Humanity
86. The Concept of Peace in Islamic Teachings
87. Consumerism vs. Contentment: The Modern Dilemma
88. Youth Activism: Balancing Passion with Wisdom
89. The Importance of Dialogue in a Polarized World
90. How the Pandemic Revived Our Faith and Reflection

Personal Growth, Morality & Reflection (91-100)

91. Intentions Define Everything: The Core of Every Deed
92. How to Revive Ikhlas (Sincerity) in a Material World
93. From Comparison to Contentment: A Muslim’s Guide
94. Building a Daily Connection with the Qur’an
95. Self-Discipline: The Forgotten Sunnah of Success
96. The Power of Istighfar in Healing the Heart
97. Time is Life: Valuing Every Minute as Sunnah
98. How to Guard the Tongue in the Age of Tweets
99. Finding Peace in a Restless World Through Salah
100. The Journey from Knowledge to Action in Islam