Denada Celebrates Ramadan for the First Time Without Her Mother, Remembers Moments of Prayer with Aisyah

Denada revealed that the desire to perform Umrah has actually been something she has kept inside for a long time. However, only this year could she realize it and take her beloved child, Aisyah, on this spiritual journey.   "Alhamdulillah, yes I pray that everyone is also granted sustenance," she continued.

Amid her busy schedule and struggles as a single parent, Denada admitted to feeling a very strong religious experience while in the Holy Land. For her, every moment there is a reminder of the importance of being grateful and asking God.

"Everything there is certainly extraordinary, surely everyone. That's why I pray that we all are granted sustenance to go there, to be given sustenance and feel how beautiful and amazing it is there," said Denada.

Aisyah herself, Denada said, shows extraordinary progress in worship during Ramadan. The little girl is now more enthusiastic about fasting and praying, which makes Denada feel proud and grateful.

"Alhamdulillah this year she is more diligent in fasting during the month of Ramadan. Actually, she has been learning to fast for a few years now, but this year she is more consistent with her fasting and, thank God, she is also more diligent in her prayers," she said.

However, this Ramadan also became an emotional moment. Denada had to celebrate Idul Fitri without the figure of her mother, who usually encouraged her from afar through video calls. Sadness was unavoidable.

"This is the first Ramadan without mom, but usually, since 2018 when we moved to Singapore, we have always celebrated Eid by video calling (with mom). This year, we can't do that anymore, so it's sad, but I'm grateful because there are other things to be thankful for..." she said.

Even so, Denada still sees the positive side of the situation. She chooses to focus on her time with Aisyah and be grateful for other blessings she still has.   "I am grateful for other things I should be thankful for. Alhamdulillah, I'm healthy, Alhamdulillah I understand fasting better, and I'm more diligent with my prayers," she added.

This Ramadan experience also serves as a reminder for Denada about the importance of making the most of every moment to build closeness with her child. Despite the emotional moments, she is grateful to go through everything with Aisyah.

"I'm really happy even though I'm sad, honestly during the prayer it actually feels like a turmoil, on one side I'm happy and grateful for all that Allah has given, one of them is Aisyah being healthy like now, but on the other side there are also things that make me sad like not having my mom. But it's okay, that's life going on," she concluded.