“They will be received by the angels of mercy with the greeting: Peace be with you, enter Paradise as a reward for your good deeds.” (Quran 16:32)
Moments ago, we received the devastating news of the passing of a community pillar, Mohamed Yaqout Abu Shanab, after a valiant battle with cancer—an illness he fought with the same steadfastness with which he fought for his people. Though his body has left us, his spirit remains woven into the fabric of our struggle, his voice echoing in every verse of resistance and every cry for justice.
Mohamed was a son of Palestine and Egypt, a poet whose words carried the weight of exile and the fire of defiance. He lived through the Naksa, a catastrophe that shaped his resolve, and led him to dedicate his life to speaking truth to power wherever he went. He was never one to be quiet in the face of injustice, no matter how small. From witnessing the true cruelty of the Zionist entity’s destructive hand to resisting an oppressive regime in Egypt, he taught us all what it means to stand unshaken—to fear none but Allah, and to cling to what is right, no matter the cost.
Throughout his life, there was no way of counting the amount of lives he’s impacted with his compassion and his pure love for righteousness. Respect followed him even from those who resisted him at first—because truth, when spoken without fear, demands reverence. Such is the power of a life lived in unyielding conviction.
In his later years, he became a beloved and respected elder in the community, whose wisdom and knowledge heavily inspired the formation of this organization. His life teachings and stories became the bedrock of our movement—lessons that continue to shape our strategies, strengthen our resolve, and remind us that justice is worth every sacrifice. We stand as a testament to his vision, each campaign and act of resistance carrying forward the principles he instilled in us: that liberation demands both courage and compassion, that our struggles are interconnected, and that true change begins with unwavering commitment to the truth. We learned from him to give ourselves fully to everything and everyone we invest in—from the causes we uphold, to the people we lift up.
His poetry were not merely words on a page—it was a weapon, a solace, and a call to resist. Through his verses as well as his life, he reminded us that the pursuit of justice is holy, because that’s what Allah wants from all of us—and no matter the consequences we might face in this world, our reward with Him will always be greater.
His loss cuts deeper than words can trace—a wound to the soul of our community. “Micky" was more than a revolutionary voice, he was the beating heart of a family, a father whose love was as fierce as his principles. He leaves behind three sons—loyal as the roots of ancient olive trees—and a daughter who bears his name like a banner, carrying on his unbreakable spirit. His love, courage, and teachings will live on through them—and through all of us who carry his legacy forward.
We will miss him terribly. We will miss his laughter in the midst of struggle, his unwavering hope in the face of despair, and his words that always gave us comfort and faith in the darkest of times. We will not mourn passively. We will mourn as he lived—in resistance.
May Allah grant him the highest ranks in Jannah, and may we honor him by continuing the struggle he dedicated his life to.
Inna Lillah Wa Inna Elayhi Rajiun.
Glory to the martyrs.
United Liberation Front for Palestine
Statement — June 10th 2025