Heat wave intensifies Ramadan challenge

MORE than a billion Muslims around the world began observing the holy month of Ramadan yesterday, with the dawn-to-dusk fast posing a particular challenge for the devout in the sweltering Middle East.

A heat wave has covered much of the region, putting even the most ardent believers to the test.

In some places – such as Egypt, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip – the hardship of abstaining from food, drink and cigarettes for 15 hours a day was compounded by frequent power outages.