The University of Jordan (UJ) is mourning the loss of Prof. Mohammad Shaheen, Professor of English Literature, who passed away on Monday at the age of 87, leaving behind a lifetime of academic excellence and cultural impact.
UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat expressed deep sadness over the news, describing Prof. Shaheen as a scholar who helped shape the university’s academic identity.
Prof. Obeidat said that Shaheen left a remarkable legacy. He was a dedicated academic who played a major role in both teaching and research for over 50 years. His passing marks the loss of one of the university’s founding figures—someone who helped lay the foundations for its academic strength.
Prof. Obeidat also highlighted Shaheen’s influence on national and academic life, especially his contributions to the Faculty of Arts, where he was considered one of its early pioneers. Throughout his career, Prof. Shaheen was known for his integrity, intellectual depth, and commitment to his students. He was one of the leading Arab scholars in English literature, blending academic rigor with a deep sense of cultural purpose.
Beyond academia, Prof. Shaheen introduced the world to the voice of Palestine—translating the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish into English and helping bring the work of Edward Said into the Arabic literary landscape.
He was named Professor Emeritus in the Department of English and held several academic and administrative positions. In recent years, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the university’s cultural journal, widely recognized as one of the most influential publications in the Arab cultural scene.
The University of Jordan extends its heartfelt condolences to Prof. Shaheen’s family, students, and loved ones. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.