Greek Life and the Muslim girl

[كونزيت]

Similar to other traditional American sororities, Gamma Gamma Chi also unites women through sisterhood, scholarship, leadership, and community service.

Gamma Gamma Chi sorority members also help “the underserved, mentor the young, and help undergraduates network with alumni,” Abdul-Haqq says. The sorority also is careful to adhere to Islamic principals by following the example of other Muslim organizations, like the Muslim Student Association, Muslim American Society, and the Islamic Society of North America

“Everything that our sorority does follows the Qur'an and Sunnah,” Abdul-Haqq said. Mimicking Islam’s five pillars, the sorority has its own set of six “gold pillars”--Islamic awareness and involvement, educational development, economic development and indigent support, environmental awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and social awareness and involvement.

Now, just a year after Abdul-Haqq founded the sorority, more than 200 women from 20 states and several foreign countries have contacted the organization with questions on joining and starting campus chapters. In November 2005, nine University of Kentucky women attended the sorority’s first “Gold Presentation” informational meeting.

Since then, the sorority has held additional presentations at Bowie State University, the University of Maryland, Rutgers University (New Jersey) and the University of Kentucky. And in April 2006, six Georgia students--from Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Georgia Perimeter College, American Intercontinental University, and Troy State University--were inducted into Gamma Gamma Chi's second chapter..

The potential pledges, who hail from countries like Libya, Pakistan, and Jordan, represent just one type of the sorority’s diversity. Gamma Gamma Chi also attracts Sunnis, Shi’as, Moors and members of the Nation of Islam. Collins and her daughter knew there were other women searching for a sorority experience within Islamic boundaries, but were surprised at how much interest they received.

Gamma Gamma Chi’s future looks bright. With a solid foundation in American collegiate culture, changes in the sorority scene are only strengthening women’s motivation to positively impact their communities, says Abdul-Haqq. Prospective members of Gamma Gamma Chi “are so thrilled to have the opportunity to help better our women, campuses, and communities.” Says Abdul-Haqq, the time for the modern Muslim woman is now.