It's that time of year again, the sacred month of Ramadan that Muslims fast and observe every year.. However, what does that really mean?

As kids, we grew up learning about the significance of lighting the menorah during Hanukkah, the gathering of family and sharing of gifts during Christmas.. Yet fall short to understand the idea behind a holy month that approximately 1.6 billion people in the world observe every year.

Aside from this blank idea of what Ramadan is, there is a lot of confusion about whether it is even a holiday. Ramadan is not a holiday. It is a religious month for Muslims which is followed by a three-day holiday celebration, known as "Eid." Growing up as a first generation Muslim in America, I always found myself explaining to teachers and peers what I did during holiday break (Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah), since not many were familiar with the holiday that I and many Muslims celebrate, Eid.

Eid is similar to other holidays such as Christmas or Easter, serving as a time when family and friends visit one another, exchange gifts and enjoy each other's company.

So now that it is clear that Ramadan is not a holiday, then what is it exactly? Ramadan is a holy month in which Muslims focus on strengthening their faith as well as fasting from sunrise to sunset, this fast includes no food and no water (yes, not even water).

Though eyes widen at this fact, the reasoning for this fast is to understand the overlooked hunger and weakness that the less fortunate suffer every day. As a part of human nature, we often tend to take things for granted and neglect to appreciate everything we have in our lives. Which is why giving charity and spreading good fortune is an extremely important part of Ramadan. This month also serves as a time to let go of bad habits or grudges that may harden our hearts.

Furthermore, in Ramadan, Muslims couples must also abstain from sexual activity while fasting. This does not mean it is disallowed for the whole 24 hours of each day in Ramadan. It only means that at the specific time between sunrise to sunset, sexual activity is not permitted. This fasting period allows a person the opportunity to detoxify themselves from distractions and strengthen their self-discipline.

Ramadan allows a person to detach themselves from materialistic pleasures and focus on their spiritual connection with God and five daily prayers. Iftar time (known as the dinner when you break your fast during Ramadan) is the most anticipated part of the day. My favorite part of Ramadan is the final hour of fasting each day. Regardless of who you break your fast with, whether it is at home with your family, or at a restaurant with your friends, or just the company of another person, there's this special sense of accomplishment you feel before you take your first sip of water.

They say it takes 21 days to make something a habit, Ramadan is a 30 day period in which allows you to practice self control over your hunger, desires and temptations thus strengthening your spiritual discipline. Ramadan serves as a spiritual cleanse. So yes-- from sunrise to sunset, not even water.