Mahdi, a 12-year-old from Gabon, impressed at the 44th King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition in Makkah, just two years after embracing Islam.

The only Muslim in his family, Mahdi’s commitment to his new faith surprised his mentor, Imam Zakaria, who guided him through the Shahada, Arab News reported.

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“At first I thought he was joking,” Zakaria admitted, recalling how unexpected it was given Mahdi’s young age.

“I asked if he knew anything about Islam, and he kept insisting that he wanted to follow the religion of Allah. In my heart I said ‘This is a gift from Allah’.”

Mahdi quickly memorised a quarter of the Qur’an and various Islamic texts, demonstrating exceptional dedication and aptitude.

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

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

“He is truly a unique young man, unlike any I have ever seen,” Zakaria said, praising Mahdi’s extraordinary dedication.

The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the archangel Gabriel who used to make the Prophet memorize it, and helped him revise it every year in the month of Ramadan, the fasting month.

Memorising the Holy Qur’an is one of the most important ways to preserve Allah’s message.

The others are to publish and distribute the book, or the text on the Internet and to recite the parts that one knows to other people.