A 12-year-old boy from Gabon, Mahdi, has captivated audiences at the 44 King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Mahdi, who embraced Islam just two years ago, is currently the only Muslim in his family. His journey to the prestigious competition is a testament to his extraordinary commitment and the guidance of his mentor, Zakaria, an imam at a nearby mosque.

When Mahdi first approached Zakaria, accompanied by his younger brother, to express his desire to follow the Islamic faith, the imam was taken by surprise. “At first I thought he was joking,” Zakaria recalled, given Mahdi’s young age.

However, Mahdi’s unwavering conviction left a lasting impression on Zakaria, who guided him through the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith.

Zakaria then embarked on teaching Mahdi the Arabic alphabet, gradually progressing to short Qur’anic surahs (chapters) until Mahdi had memorized a quarter of the Qur’an.

“I noticed how quickly he memorized and understood the Qur’an,” Zakaria said, highlighting that Mahdi was memorizing a page a day just a week after his conversion.

Alongside his Qur’anic studies, Mahdi has also memorized various Islamic texts, showcasing his exceptional aptitude for learning.

“He is truly a unique young man, unlike any I have ever seen,” Zakaria said, praising Mahdi’s extraordinary dedication and the remarkable progress he has made in his spiritual journey.

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Mahdi’s participation in the prestigious Qur’an competition, just two years after embracing Islam, is a testament to his unwavering commitment and the transformative power of faith.

His inspiring story has captivated the attention of the global Muslim community, who are eager to witness his continued growth and success.