(AgapePress) - A group of women on the University of Kentucky campus has formed the country's first Islamic sorority.

Thirteen women at the University of Kentucky have joined the Greek-lettered community by starting the campus chapter of Gamma Gamma Chi. The first of its kind sorority was created by Virginia businesswoman Dr. Althia Collins and her daughter. Collins has given more than $50,000 in cast and in-kind services to the organization.

Dr. Collins says Gamma Gamma Chi will be similar to existing sororities -- but there will be some differences. For example, Collins says "casual mixing between males and females" will not be permitted, but there will be many opportunities where members of the sorority will be engaged in activities that involve men.

"A part of our purpose in developing this sorority is to help bridge the gap for Muslims and non-Muslims," Collins explains. "And I believe that when you're focusing just on differences, then you tend to miss the boat and you miss many opportunities then to come together based on things that you share."

In addition, partying will be non-alcoholic. "We believe it's important to have a good time and to socialize and to have fun as Muslims, because it's a part of our human element," she says. "As people we want to enjoy life, so that's not forbidden to us as Muslims. But how we go about engaging in fun and having social activities is different than from some other people or for some non-Muslims."

Dr. Collins says before she converted to Islam in 1998, she believed the role of women in Islam to be one of subservience. But now she calls Islam "the first women's movement." She claims women are denied rights in Muslim countries because of culture, not religion.

Jim Brown, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.

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