23-05-2025
Scots woman who dedicated life to helping others dies suddenly after heart attack
Tallat Haq had been feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning for three days before she was rushed to hospital by her concerned younger brother, Niaz, last week.
A community pillar in Glasgow who spent her life helping others has sadly died aged 63.
Tallat Haq had been feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning for three days so was rushed to hospital last week which turned out to be a severe heart attack.
Despite undergoing an operation to unblock arteries, she sadly passed away at the Golden Jubilee Hospital on Tuesday, May 13, with her 94-year-old mum and her brother by her side.
Her brother Niaz paid tribute to his sister and told Glasgow Live:"It was very sudden, we didn't expect it at all. It has been a tough number of days.
"She was more caring about myself and others than she was for herself, asking me if I am ok. I was there with mum and we held her hand.
"We gave her reassurance. I gave her a hug and she gave me such a beautiful smile with noor (light) on her face. She looked up and said she saw so much brightness in the room. She seemed happy, as if the angels came down."
Tallat, who managed Al-Khair foundation, in Govanhill, for over a decade and launched a food bank as part of her work has been described as someone who would "go out of her way to care for others." Though she had no children of her own, Niaz says she was like a motherly figure and "we were all her kids".
She tirelessly advocated for refugees and the city's most vulnerable no matter where they came from, including helping those suffering around the world in places including Gaza.
During Ramadan, she hosted Open Iftars for the community, where anyone - regardless of their faith - was invited to enjoy a communal meal and connect with one another.
In a heartfelt tribute, Niaz added: "Everybody in the street knew her because she'd go out in the morning and talk to everybody. She would share her thoughts and energy, and was into natural remedies.
"Baji (sister) was very humble - a remarkable soul, compassionate, selfless, and unwavering in her service to others.
"She gave her time, her heart, and her energy for the sake of others, well beyond the call of duty. She was a true pillar of the community, a beacon of hope, and someone who left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
"She was, without doubt, a true voice for the voiceless, a modern-day saint. She fed the homeless, supported battered women, and stood by asylum seekers and refugees with unwavering compassion.
Tributes also flooded in on social media, with many saddened to have lost such a well-respected community figure.
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ALBA Glasgow said: "We are sad to inform you of the sudden passing of Tallat Haq. She was a dear friend of many of us and her charity work for Al-Khair was legendary as was her support of the people of Gaza.
"She was a great supporter of Alba and of Alex Salmond. Many people, in many communities in Glasgow and beyond, will say many lovely things about dear Tallat, and this is much deserved. May she rest in peace."
A memorial is being held at Glasgow Central Mosque this weekend, Saturday May 24, between 6pm and 9pm.
