Ramadan is not a holy day to Muslims but a holy month. It is the ninth month of the Muslim year, in which the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance for the people. Ramadan is similar to the Jewish Yom Kippur in that both represent a period of atonement. Ramadan, however, is seen less as atonement and more as an obedient response to a command from God.
Ramadan observance in Islam. During Ramadan, those who are able must abstain from evil thoughts and deeds, food and drink including water, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk for the entire month. Because the holiday cycles through the solar year, this fast can be much more difficult in some years than others. When Ramadan falls in the summer season, the days of fasting are longer and it is a greater hardship to do without water.
Ramadan observance in Islam. During Ramadan, those who are able must abstain from evil thoughts and deeds, food and drink including water, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk for the entire month. Because the holiday cycles through the solar year, this fast can be much more difficult in some years than others. When Ramadan falls in the summer season, the days of fasting are longer and it is a greater hardship to do without water.