When Ms. Siti Dahlia Mohd Dali, a 61-year-old Singaporean, suffered a sudden heart attack while vacationing in Madrid, Spain, her story touched hearts worldwide. As her family faced overwhelming medical and logistical challenges, the At-Tartil Quranic Institute community sprang into action, rallying support through a compassionate fundraising campaign that raised nearly $40,000 in just days.
This is the power of community, faith, and swift humanitarian response—a testament to how collective effort can bring hope in the darkest moments.
The Crisis: A Sudden Medical Emergency in Madrid
Ms. Siti Dahlia, a beloved student of At-Tartil Quranic Institute, was on a 12-day vacation with her husband, Mr. Mohd Nordin Varijan, when tragedy struck. Just one day after arriving in Madrid, she suffered a severe heart attack, leading to multiple organ failure and immediate admission to the ICU at Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos.
With no prior serious health issues, the incident left her family in shock, facing not only emotional distress but also complex medical, logistical, and financial hurdles in a foreign country.
Key Challenges the Family Faced:
✔ High medical costs in a private Spanish hospital
✔ Complex burial procedures (requiring transport to Valencia due to Madrid’s limited burial space)
✔ Language barriers and unfamiliar healthcare systems
✔ Urgent need for financial support to sustain ICU treatment
At-Tartil Quranic Institute’s Swift Response: The Dana Ihsan Fund
Upon learning of Ms. Siti Dahlia’s condition, Ustaz Zulkiflee Bachik, Director of At-Tartil Quranic Institute, immediately launched the Dana Ihsan (Compassion Fund) to assist the family.
Fundraising Success: $40,000 in Days
- €8,000 (S$11,686) raised in under 2 hours
- Total funds reached nearly S$40,000 within days
- Donations poured in from students, alumni, and even strangers moved by her story
“Alhamdulillah, the response was overwhelming. She was a dedicated student who always brought food for her classmates—now it was our turn to support her.”
— Ustaz Zulkiflee Bachik
Who Is Ms. Siti Dahlia?
A Beloved Student & Pillar of Kindness
Ms. Siti Dahlia had been attending At-Tartil’s “Quranic Language Made Easy” (QLME) classes since October 2021 and was set to graduate on May 31. Her classmates describe her as:
✅ Always smiling – A warm presence in every session
✅ Deeply committed – Never missed a class
✅ Generous cook – Frequently prepared meals for fellow students
“She would wake up early just to cook for us. When I heard about her heart attack, I was devastated—we had just messaged about our graduation plans.”
— Ms. Aziah Ismail (60), Classmate
From Funeral Preparations to a Miracle: Signs of Recovery
Initially, doctors warned the family to prepare for the worst, prompting Ustaz Zulkiflee to fly to Madrid to assist with funeral arrangements. However, in a hopeful turn of events, Ms. Siti Dahlia began showing positive responses to treatment.
Latest Medical Update (As of May 2024)
✔ Stable but critical – Still in ICU under close monitoring
✔ Organ function improving – Signs of gradual recovery
✔ Family praying for full recovery – Hoping to bring her back to Singapore
“We came here expecting to arrange a burial, but by Allah’s grace, she is fighting. We ask for continued prayers for her healing.”
— Ustaz Zulkiflee Bachik
How You Can Help: Support Ms. Siti Dahlia’s Recovery
The Dana Ihsan Fund remains open for those who wish to contribute. Every donation helps cover:
💙 ICU medical bills
💙 Potential medical repatriation to Singapore
💙 Family accommodation & logistical support in Madrid
Ways to Contribute:
- Direct donations via At-Tartil’s official channels
- Share her story to amplify awareness
- Keep her in your prayers for a full recovery
The Power of Faith & Community
This crisis highlights how quick action, faith, and collective compassion can make a life-changing difference. At-Tartil Quranic Institute is honored to lead this effort and will continue supporting Ms. Siti Dahlia’s family throughout her recovery journey.
Let’s keep praying for her healing—may she return home safely to her loved ones.
