Our Muslim Brotherhood experience

I started out asking the Muslim Brotherhood bloggers the first question I was dying to know the answer to:  Do you hide your association with the Muslim Brotherhood since it’s an illegal political opposition group portrayed by the Egyptian government as holding Islamic fundamentalist values?

Their answers:  Not only do they use their real names on their Muslim Brotherhood blogs, but they post their pictures as well.

“At the end of the day, I’ll get arrested whether I’m a blogger or not,” said Mohamed Hekal, 24, a blogger and member of the Muslim Brotherhood. “The government has the right to arrest anyone at any time for anything.”

Hekal, along with five others associated or belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, spoke to a group of us yesterday over cappuccinos and raspberry cake. Like many I have had the opportunity to speak with here, these men and women are seeking the freedom to act in a society controlled by a fake democratic government.

As the most popular dissident organization, the Muslim Brotherhood is, of course, illegal, but not less determined. Despite the government’s attempts to portray them as associating with Al Qaeda, Hekal described the organization as “moderate and comprehensive”.

“We don’t accept any aggressive action against the regime [or society]. Only peaceful action,” said Mhamad Salim, 23.

Since they are illegal, the group also has a difficult time gaining support – Hekal said that many who express support for the organization don’t come take action.

Speaking with the Muslim Brotherhood members was a wonderful opportunity. They answered any and every question we had for nearly two hours. With such incredible experiences and so much passion for their cause, it’s easy to forget they are my age. I have a difficult time being away from my family for five weeks, while these people can fight against a corrupt government for what they believe in, some times in conflict with their families. That’s one of the best parts of being here: seeing how different my life would be if I was born 5,000 miles away from where I was.