Prominent Philanthropist Tasneem Siddiqui-Khan Departs
By Mariam and Ahmed
Prominent philanthropist and our aunt — Tasneem Siddiqui-Khan (Our Kaku) aka Mrs Ahmed S. Khan — left this earthly abode on November 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 through her charity organization — Radiance International. 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!
Almost every summer and March break, we used to head from Toronto to Kaku’s house in Chicago. We were filled with excitement every single time. It was so enjoyable to spend time with her. We’ve known her our entire life, and she was the most generous and kind person we know.
Kaku was born in Karachi. Our grandparents paid special attention to their children’s education — as a result all siblings rose to the top positions in their careers. Kaku, her younger brother and sister received early education in Karachi and then came to the United States for higher education. Kaku received her degrees in science, education and computer science — and pursued a career in education and social work in Chicago. Kaku’s younger brother — our uncle — received graduate degrees in Business administration from a major US university and held a key position at Reuters, and Kaku’s younger sister — our mother — completed degrees in Business administration and Information Technology and rose to a senior management position at Citi. All this was possible due to our grandparents’ continuous support and Kaku’s perpetual encouragement to always aim high in life!
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.
The Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said that one of the seven groups of people that will be granted shade on the Day of Judgment includes the one who gives charity but hides it, so that even his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent. She was a perfect example of this.
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.
