Muslim clerics unsuccessfully searched the skies for the crescent moon on Monday night, in the ceremony that determines the beginning of Ramadan. Because no moon was sighted, the first day of fasting will begin on Wednesday.

According to Islamic tradition, Allah revealed the Koran to the prophet Muhammad during the 9th month – Ramadan – a time for introspection. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual activity from dawn until dusk, Fasting – or sawm – is one of the five pillars of Islam, and also means “to refrain,” not only from food or drink but also from evil actions, thoughts and words. The daily fasts are broken in the evening with prayer and festive meals called iftars.

Tamer Nama, from Deir el- Asad in the Galilee, told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that it is forbidden – or haram – to say you are not fasting if you are not exempt for certain reasons including travel, pregnancy, or sickness. Asked what percentage of Israel’s Muslims fast, he said there was no way to know since people who do not fast do not usually publicize this fact, which would constitute an additional sin.

After the meal is the evening prayer, followed by time for visiting friends and other communal activities, Nama said. People are often in the streets late into the evening during Ramadan. Good deeds done during Ramadan are many times more valuable than those done during the rest of the year, she said.