Sisterhood with a Muslim twist
American-born Muslim college women find bonds of sisterhood in their faith
Toni Callas-->Knight Ridder
Issue date: 3/6/06 Section: News
"We focus on sisterhood, networking, leadership, philanthropy and service, like other sororities," Collins said. "The difference is the guiding principle is Islamic values."
That means no beer, boys or parties. Gamma Gamma Chi will adhere to Sunnah, the body of Islamic custom and practice based on Muhammad's words and deeds.
Muslim women of varying ethnic backgrounds and levels of devotion are welcome to apply. Non-Muslims can join, too, as long as they follow the Islamic principles.
Salat, or prayers, will be held before every meeting. And although a Greek-letter organization in name, Gamma Gamma Chi does "not engage in doctrines that are traditionally associated with 'Greek life,'" according to the sorority's Web site. "We adhere to activities that coincide with Sharia (Islamic law)."
That does not mean strict compliance, Collins said. Hijab, the practice of covering up in headdress and robe, is optional.
That's not a problem for the Rutgers women. On a recent day, their dress varied from the traditional to long skirts and long-sleeve sweaters to jeans.
Dressed in a head scarf and an A-line denim dress that dusted the top of her feet, American-born Palestinian Miriam Abushaban, 18, sat in Moghul's sunlit apartment. The prospects of the sorority excited her.
"It's all about spreading Islam," Abushaban said as she sat among 20 or so other women wishing out loud about being the third - or Gamma - chapter of the sorority. (Gamma is the third letter in the Greek alphabet.)
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Muslims have been battling negative stereotypes. Abushaban said she hoped the sorority could help counter that and boost the image of women.
"I also think that non-Muslims who have a misconception of Islam can get a better understanding of us," she said. "Let them see that as women we are not as oppressed as they think. We can be leaders just like men can."
For sophomore Bisi Lawal, 19, values held in common, such as adherence to Islamic law, are essential.
That means no beer, boys or parties. Gamma Gamma Chi will adhere to Sunnah, the body of Islamic custom and practice based on Muhammad's words and deeds.
Muslim women of varying ethnic backgrounds and levels of devotion are welcome to apply. Non-Muslims can join, too, as long as they follow the Islamic principles.
Salat, or prayers, will be held before every meeting. And although a Greek-letter organization in name, Gamma Gamma Chi does "not engage in doctrines that are traditionally associated with 'Greek life,'" according to the sorority's Web site. "We adhere to activities that coincide with Sharia (Islamic law)."
That does not mean strict compliance, Collins said. Hijab, the practice of covering up in headdress and robe, is optional.
That's not a problem for the Rutgers women. On a recent day, their dress varied from the traditional to long skirts and long-sleeve sweaters to jeans.
Dressed in a head scarf and an A-line denim dress that dusted the top of her feet, American-born Palestinian Miriam Abushaban, 18, sat in Moghul's sunlit apartment. The prospects of the sorority excited her.
"It's all about spreading Islam," Abushaban said as she sat among 20 or so other women wishing out loud about being the third - or Gamma - chapter of the sorority. (Gamma is the third letter in the Greek alphabet.)
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Muslims have been battling negative stereotypes. Abushaban said she hoped the sorority could help counter that and boost the image of women.
"I also think that non-Muslims who have a misconception of Islam can get a better understanding of us," she said. "Let them see that as women we are not as oppressed as they think. We can be leaders just like men can."
For sophomore Bisi Lawal, 19, values held in common, such as adherence to Islamic law, are essential.
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