By Bhavna Batra > University of Maryland

The idea of an Islamic fraternity or sorority might sound counter-intuitive, but in 2005 the mother-daughter team of Imani Abdul-Haqq and Dr. Althia F. Ali did the seemingly impossible: They created Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority Inc., the nation’s first and only Islam-based sorority, boasting six chapters in cities all over the country.

At first, Abdul-Haqq, wanted to join a historically black sorority, but she found its Christian-based ideals caused her to go against her faith as a practicing Muslim. She then created Gamma Gamma Chi, which is not school-based but regional, connecting Muslims from differing towns and cities. In order to be accepted as an incoming member, a woman needs to have completed a college degree or be pursuing work leading to at least a baccalaureate degree. And contrary to what it seems, being Muslim is not a requirement of membership.

Narmin Oshmita Anwar, a member of the sorority’s Beta Chapter, chose Gamma Gamma Chi because she wanted to find an organization that covered all aspects of a traditional sorority without going against her Muslim ideals.  “I have always been interested in Greek life and did rush other sororities, but felt that GGC was the organization for me.” As a Gamma Gamma Chi, Anwar and her sisters face the criticism of not being a “real” sorority, because of its religious foundations. Anwar disagrees. “Religion isn't our main focus; we are just based on Muslim ideals. We have made a breakthrough by creating an ‘American Muslim’ group that others did not think could officially be created.”

“Gamma Gamma Chi allows you to have the best of both worlds,” she explains. “You can do the fun sorority things: dances, the friendship, networking, etcetera, and still can practice your religion.” But the organization still produces controversy in the Islamic community. Arifa Gir, a Muslim student at the University of Maryland, understands where Islamists are coming from.  “In the Muslim community if a girl says she’s doing a sorority–an Islamic sorority even–her parents will question it. The first thing that is going to come to their mind is drinking and straying away from the religion, not the service aspect or the strides one makes personally.”

Anwar is aware of these perceptions. “Some Muslims are still wary about an Islamic sorority and of course I have broken the norms by joining one. However, I feel that as Muslim women we should represent and have our voices heard, and joining a sorority helps you become stronger in that aspect. I hope it grows so all little Muslim girls will strive to be a Gamma!” says Anwar. “I want to break the stereotype that Muslim women are oppressed and do not have fun, and I want the Islamic community to understand that Greek life isn’t about all the hype you’ve heard in the news.  I want to prove you can be Greek and still be a practicing Muslim. It’s possible.”

In less than 4 years, what was once the dream of a mother and daughter has emerged as a prominent social and service organization that pushes the envelope in all aspects. Gamma Gamma Chi is proof that the traditional mold of any type of organization can be challenged and that ultimately, any person can find his/her niche in Greek Life.