Introducing a Rare Kind of Rush

The idea for Gamma Gamma Chi started with Althia Collins, an educational consultant in Alexandria, and her daughter Imani Abdul-Haqq, who wanted to pledge a sorority in North Carolina. When Abdul-Haqq walked in with her hijab , Collins said, "everyone looked at her like she had three heads."

Collins and her daughter, who became Muslim several years ago, thought sororities' emphasis on volunteering and leadership would make Muslim women more visible and help dispel stereotypes. And Collins, who was in a sorority in college, said she thinks the bonds are stronger and longer lasting than those formed in a club or dorm. So they dreamed up Gamma Gamma Chi, choosing letters, colors and such symbols as a waterlily, for its ability to flourish in difficult surroundings.

The first chapter recently started in Atlanta. Applications are coming in from Rutgers in New Jersey, and in the Washington area, there is interest from women out of college. And if enough students want to participate, the next chapter could soon be in Maryland, most likely starting as a regional group with members from several schools.

Not everyone likes the idea. Some places Collins has gone, hung up the green-and-purple banner, set out plates of grapes and cookies, explained the sorority -- just like she did at UMBC -- and no one has asked to join.

The national Muslim Student Association welcomes the effort, but some members of campus chapters disapprove. "Sororities are played out to be very exclusive," said Haleema Yahya, a senior at UMBC, explaining why she thinks Gamma Gamma Chi would be controversial.

Some people are skeptical just because the idea is new, said Misu Tasnim, a junior at Johns Hopkins. Some worry that the sorority sisters would splinter off the main Muslim student group. "And also because 'sorority' denotes drinking and dating and stuff," Tasnim said, "people are not sure how it will play into the Muslim ideals."

Or traditions. In the Muslim Student Association, "the guys have more say than the girls do, just because that's how it is," said Narmin Anwar, Tasmim Anwar's sister, who introduced the sorority idea. "This would be more for the girls, to have more of a leadership role."

Tasmim Anwar came in a little late the night of the meeting, her long, wavy hair uncovered and an "I {heart} me" T-shirt on. She wasn't sure what to expect. It might be too strict, she thought, and a friend agreed, remembering how intimidated she had felt walking into a Muslim student group meeting not wearing hijab on her head.

Collins told the students that they wouldn't preach but would support one another in a society that often misunderstands them. She suggested activities such as practicing public speaking and helping one another memorize the 99 names of Allah.

Like most Greek organizations, Gamma Gamma Chi wouldn't turn people away just because they're different -- it would be open to non-Muslims as well -- and it would have social events for women.

But no drinking, clubbing or hooking up.

Lujain Said, whose tiny hands and big eyes peeked out from her enveloping black abaya, never considered Greek life until friends mentioned Gamma Gamma Chi. "I thought it was a great idea," she said, "to unite more Muslim women and get rid of some Muslim stereotypes."