SINGAPORE – Britain’s Prince Harry shared a traditional Ramadan iftar with Jamiyah Singapore at its headquarters at Guillemard Crescent on Sunday, June 4, as he kicked off his visit to the south-Asian country.

“Ramadan is a time of reflection, for spending time with family and friends while giving support to those who are less fortunate,” Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, president of Jamiyah Singapore said, Channel News Asia reported.

“We are honored that Prince Harry was able to join us for this iftar and to meet with the young people that are part of the Jamiyah Singapore community,” he added.

On his arrival there, Prince Harry received a traditional welcome from ten hand drummers, a customary way to mark a celebratory occasion in Malay culture.

As the sun started to set, he joined around 80 young Muslims for iftar.

After breaking fast, the prince sat at a number of tables so that he could chat with guests about the celebration.

Earlier in the day, Prince Harry visited an Action for AIDS event, where he learnt more about HIV and AIDS issues in Singapore.

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, started on Saturday, May 27.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint and good deeds.

It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.

Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.