PHILADELPHIA — Islam and sorority.

The words are so far apart on the spectrum that even Rutgers University student Amina Moghul, a Muslim, couldn't fathom the idea of pairing the staid principles of Islam with an American institution known more for its social graces than religious devotion.

But as an emerging generation of American-born Muslim women seeks to assert itself and its cultural identity, the concept is not so far-fetched.

In fact, as Gamma Gamma Chi, the nation's first Islam-based sorority, takes shape at several universities across the country

, it has become a reality

.

"I never knew anything like this could exist," said Moghul, a sophomore journalism and biology major from Jersey City, N.J. "I thought it was interesting. Most sororities do not appeal to Muslim women."

A Gold Presentation — a meeting that introduces students to the sorority and a precursor to the sorority's being granted a charter — could be held at Rutgers' campus in New Brunswick by the end of the semester.

There is also interest at Cheyney, Drexel, Rowan, St. Joseph's and Temple Universities, said Alitha Collins, the sorority's national president and executive director.

A chapter has started at the University of Kentucky, and one was just chartered in Atlanta. By 2015, the sorority hopes to have a chapter in every region of the country and to branch out internationally.

The brainchild of Collins' daughter Imani Abdul-Haqq, the sorority was launched in November. Abdul-Haqq, a senior at Guilford College in North Carolina, had wanted to join a sorority but couldn't find one that fit.

She enlisted her mother's help. Collins — who has a background in institutional organization and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically black sorority founded in 1913 — helped her plot out the goals and the mission of the new endeavor.

"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.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Muslims have been battling negative stereotypes.

American-born Palestinian Miriam Abushaban, 18,

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."