Whenever a fest-ival in the Islamic cal-endar is approaching, the Muslim Brotherhood can be counted on to be preparing fast and hard. During the holy month of Ramadan, the group doled out food packages, including cereals, oil and sugar, to the needy. And with the festival of Eid el-Adha a couple of weeks away, the Brotherhood is collecting cash and buying cattle ready to donate meat to poor Egyptians and Palestinians – even Sudanese caught up in the Darfur conflict in southern Sudan.

Last year’s elections proved the Brotherhood remains the strongest and most organised opposition force in Egypt, but social and development programmes are just as important to the group as is toting up parliamentary seats. Some Brotherhood officials say they are not yet ready for power, even arguing they would not want it if offered. Rather, they say, certain internal, regional and international conditions have to be in place before the Islamic movement is able to take over the reins. And it is through charitable and social programmes, which includes running schools and health clinics, that the group hopes to broaden its appeal and ultimately create an environment where it can take power.