I know that my chapter would never have asked anyone to dress in a way that made them uncomfortable. whether it was due to religious needs or size. You just put on the most similar outfit you can and do your best which is all anyone can ask.

Also, because if their greek advisors or graduate assistants are men (and some are at my school) even though you'd be around women most of the time, it still may be an issue because they usually come to check the rooms for violations, etc. and we always have a/v problems and need someone to pop in and check on the room's equipment and these a/v specialists are usually male college students.

Ditto. Several girls in my chapter did not drink, but they attended every party they wanted. I think the OP could even be creative with a toga.

I like her comment about wearing leggings under something short. This could be very cute.

This is exactly what I was thinking. If you do get a bid, I am sure they can be adjustments made to these "mandatory" outfits. Most sororities would never force someone to wear something against their religious beliefs! Good Luck!

From a males point of view I think what you're doing is great greek diversity is somthing i wish there was more of on my campus with such a large muslim population. My fraternity was based on Christian ideals but I'm an atheist and it was sort of rough at first because we have prayers and such. But once people get to know you and aren't preoccupied by your beliefs its easier. I know comparing your situation to mine is completely differnt because people can't tell that I'm an atheist from what I'm wearing but it's relatable. Even if there is a house with religous affiliation though don't be turned off right away because I've never been forced to pray and when you look at the foundations of these organizations they support things that all religions respect like morality, character, scholarship, etc.

But the easiest thing is to just educate people and I'm sure you've done this in the past and you seem proud and intelligent enough to do it in the greek community. I say go for it, rush, have fun. It will be one of the greatest choices of your life when you find that one house full of people who are like you and you enjoy being around. From one religious minority to another...do it. I'm gonna go wander off back to the frat chat now...sorry ladies

This may be a stupid question which i could probably answer with google, but are there any muslim GLOs out there that anyone knows of?

a few years ago someone posted an article on greekchat about a group of muslim women who had or were going to start a islamic-based sorority-if memory serves me correctly they were at u of kentucky or maybe tennessee?

NinjaPoodle posted links to an Islamic-based sorority on p.2 -- http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...8&postcount=17

More observant Muslim girls at the University of Toronto who're in NPC sororities wear long sleeved t-shirts under their short-sleeved rush t-shirts.

thanks nittanyalum, for bringing that to my (and hopefully, the op's) attention. i did not match the name, gamma gamma chi, with the org.

i went back and skimmed the link-congratulations to the sorority for its 5 chapters(plus their national grand chapter)!

I think having a member who was strictly interested in an organization for sisterhood, philanthropy, leadership opportunities amongst women her panhellenic community, and a lifelong alumnae membership would be....EXACTLY why most of our organizations were founded!

I challenge anyone to bring up a group of founders who said "Hey ladies, lets start a group of our own so we can throw keggers with drunk guys!" ;)

While granted, I am not in Texas, and I don't know your school, I can tell you that in my own chapter (which was certainly know for being pretty social) there were always sisters who did not drink, and many who were not into the party scene. They were very involved with all other aspects of the chapter, and they were very much respected for their beliefs.

In a recent issue of Pi Phi's magazine The Arrow, there were articles discussing sisters of different religions and how they dealt with things such as rituals based on certain religious texts and other issues. You can find the article at http://www.pibetaphi.org/pibetaphi/W...nt.aspx?id=974 Some of the articles specifically addressed sisters who are Muslim, so I hope you'll find it helpful. Good luck!

Good point - this was a great article!

I'm disappointed someone would try to point you toward an "Islamic" sorority. If that's what you choose, good for you, but if NPC is what you choose, good for you too. I hope you don't feel you're being slotted somewhere. From what you say about your upbringing, NPC sounds like it might be a good fit, as would any of the multicultural organizations.

In my chapter, there were (yes, some will tell you I went to school forever ago) and still are Muslim women. I don't know if any wear hijab or not. Nor do I remember any references to religious affiliation in my collegiate experience. Our rituals chairman was a Wiccan, and I recall we had at least one Buddhist, but none had dress requirements.

I guess the long and short of it is that if a sorority can't respect you for who you are, do you want to belong?

All 6 chapters that were on my Texas campus at the time had members who did not drink. Drinking is absolutely not a mandatory part of Greek Life. The cool part about being in such a big group is just that -- it's big! And it's full of diverse people who find joy in different things, listen to different music, like different types of movies, have different hobbies etc.

Personally, I do not believe you should worry about the fact that you don't drink, OP.

To the OP, I just wanted to co-sign what a lot of people have said, you don't have to drink.

I'm not a big drinker, I literally drink probably 1-2 a year and I sip on a cocktail, I never even finish it. I prefer the non-alcoholic cocktails (love, love, love virgin strawberry daquiris).

My sisters knew I wasn't a big drinker. I would still attend events though. I remember attending a Derby Days activity, I didn't drink, but my sisters did. I just was there supporting them to win whatever activity it was (which I honestly don't remember, it was 10 years ago). So it can be done. :D

i definately co-co-sign on the drinking thing. even though i am not a greek, my boyfriend does risk management, and doesn't drink. we still have fun and make sure people get home in one piece. see if your org will let you volunteer to do stuff like that.

Muslim and Greek Life
 

As an alum volunteer working with collegiate chapters, I certainly have met women who have cultural and religious rituals that are an integral part of who they are and the life they lead. This shows depth of character and commitment which are clearly strengths in any potential new member. I think the original poster should attend a Recruitment Information Session on their campus to get a feel for what the experience is like. Perhaps introduce yourself to the Greek Advisor or PH President and ask them if they are aware of any muslim chapter members that perhaps you can grab coffee with to ask if they've experienced any challenges. Also, you may want to compare/contrast the different experiences of Formal vs Informal Recruitment depending on what makes sense to you and what setting you feel you will have the best opportunity to present yourself in.

Just my 2 cents. I wish you best of luck!