Mahadi Musa, also known by the nickname Muhammad, was born on January 1, 2000 (corresponding to 10 Sha'aban 1420 AH) in Dankuka, Sabon Gari, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. His parents, Malam Musa and Malama Fatima (affectionately known as Inna), were both residents of Zaria.

Mahadi began his formal education at the age of six, attending Fahimta International School in Zaria for nursery from 2006 to 2008, and then for primary education from 2009 to 2013. He continued his secondary studies at Government Secondary School Muchia from 2018 to 2019, completing SS1 and SS2. In 2019, he transferred to Government Commercial College (GCC) Zaria, where he sat for the NECO examinations. He achieved excellent results, though Allah elevated his status to martyrdom before the results were officially released.

Alongside his secular education, Mahadi was deeply committed to Islamic studies from a young age. He began at Wikayatul Islam, Malam Babba's school in his neighborhood, at just four years old. He later studied at Madarasatul Qira'atul Qur'an under Malam Hassan Dan Aljanna for about a year, before joining Madarasatul Daru Imam Mahdi (A.F.) where he continued his studies of the Qur'an and other Islamic texts until his passing.

Mahadi was a farmer, following his family's tradition, and also managed a phone and battery charging shop for a neighbor. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the Islamic Movement's struggle (gwagwarmaya) and was a member of Jaishu Shahid Ahmad Zakzaky. His friends and colleagues attested to his strong commitment: if he agreed to undertake a task, he would see it through. His parents remembered him as a playful and cheerful individual, deeply obedient and respectful of their wishes.

Mahadi Musa attained martyrdom on July 22, 2019, during a peaceful demonstration in Abuja. He was shot in a part of his body and subsequently arrested by the police. While in custody, he was denied access to family and medical care for several days. When access was eventually granted to some of the detainees, it was confirmed that he had achieved martyrdom. His body was tragically withheld by authorities for several years before it was finally released for burial.

His final message to his loved ones reflected his steadfast faith: "We are on our path to establish the religion of Allah. Brothers and sisters, we wish you well and ask you to forgive us for anything we might have done that displeased you. May Allah keep you steadfast on the path we have taken."

Mahadi was unmarried and was the fifth child of both his father, Malam Musa, and his mother, Malama Fatima (Inna).