Guardian: Muslims in the northern hemisphere face the most challenging Ramadan for more than 30 years, with long summer days creating the shortest possible window for breaking their daily fast.

The Islamic holy month, which is expected to begin on Monday, straddles the summer solstice this year, meaning early dawns and late sunsets. The dates of Ramadan, which are determined by the moon, move forward by 10 or 11 days each year in a 33-year cycle.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sex. In the depths of winter, the daily fast can be as short as eight hours, compared with more than 20 hours in some places this year.

“We had a taste of this last year, but this year it’s even more challenging,” saidIbrahim Mogra, assistant general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain. “But this is all part and parcel of the experience, and most Muslims take it in their stride. Maybe a few more will take advantage of the exemptions available to the elderly, frail and those on medication.”

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