Prominent Philanthropist Tasneem Siddiqui-Khan Departs
By Mariam and Ahmed

Prominent philanthropist and our aunt — Tasneem Siddiqui-Khan (Kaku) aka Mrs Ahmed S. Khan — left this earthly abode on June 26, 2023, in Chicago. She was an extraordinary person — her memory will forever be etched in our hearts. She exhibited excellent etiquette and demeanor. Her mannerism and affection had a profound effect on all who met her.

She was a gentle and kind person who helped the poor and needy all over the world. Whenever earthquakes, floods, and natural disasters took place around the world — she would be the first to arrange for help for the victims. She embodied the Prophet's (SAW) saying: “No one of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Al-Bukhari (13) Muslim (45)]

She was a unique person — so unique that she was born in the early hours of November 26, and she also left this earthly abode in the early hours of November 26!

There aren’t enough pages in a book or words in a dictionary that can even begin to capture who she was. Someone you can always rely on, someone who gives without you needing to ask, someone who will love you unconditionally. We were very lucky to have her in our lives for whatever short time that was, and to be so close to her. We can only hope to carry on her legacy, to continue to spread good into the world everyday as she did, and to be as selfless as our Kaku. To her, we were like her own children and to us, she was like a mother. Part of who we are — is because of her, and we will forever be thankful. Her character is such a rare find in this world. We hope to be like her — to spread good in this world.

May Allah (SWT) accept her good deeds, bless her soul and grant her the highest station in Janet-ul-Firdous. Ameen

*Mariam and Ahmed are pursuing their undergraduate degrees at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.