12-Year-Old New Muslim Mahdi from Gabon Shines at King Abdulaziz Quran Competition

Mahdi, a 12-year-old from Gabon, participated in the 44th edition of the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition for Memorization, Recital, and Explanation, merely two years after embracing Islam. Mahdi, currently the sole Muslim in his family, stands out as one of the remarkable young participants in the competition. Zakaria, his mentor and guide who witnessed Mahdi's heartfelt shahada (declaration of faith), narrates Mahdi's journey with Islam and his rapid progress in Qur'anic Studies. Zakaria, who served as an imam in a mosque near Mahdi's home, recalls his initial confusion when Mahdi, accompanying his younger brother, visited him one evening expressing his desire to convert to Islam. 'I initially thought he was jesting,' Zakaria reflects, noting how the situation took him by surprise, particularly due to Mahdi's tender age at the time. 'I asked him if he knew anything about Islam. He repeatedly insisted that he wanted to embrace the religion of Allah. In my heart, I said, 'This is a gift from Allah,'' Zakaria says. Guiding Mahdi through the shahada and witnessing his conversion, Zakaria expresses gratitude, acknowledging the divine guidance that led Mahdi to Islam. In addition to assisting Mahdi in embracing Islam, Zakaria was the one who renamed him from Midi. Subsequently, Zakaria embarked on teaching Mahdi the Arabic alphabet, progressing to short Qur'anic surahs (chapters) until Mahdi committed a quarter of the mighty book to memory. 'I observed his swift pace of memorization and understanding, as he memorizes a page of the Quran daily, starting just a week post-conversion,' Zakaria remarks. Amidst Mahdi's impressive feats, including memorizing various Islamic literary works like *Tuhfatul Atfaal* (The Children's Bequest), Zakaria marvels at the unique qualities displayed by the young learner. 'He stands out as a unique young man, unlike any I had ever seen,' Zakaria says. 'Glory to the One who bestows upon His servants what He wills," Zakaria concludes. Source: Saudi P ress Agency