 He was attracted to calligraphy from an early age, drawing his inspiration from reading scripture and observing the calligraphy that decorated local mosques  As a youth, he studied briefly with Mullah Aref al-Shaikhli in Baghdad, at the Al-Ahmadiyya School, which was owned Al-Shaikhli.From the outset, he showed an early talent for the art of calligraphy, and exhibited a real dedication to learning the technique, a strict adherence to its extensive rules and a willingness to explore the secrets of Islamic lettering.Due to his family's poor circumstances, he was obliged to discontinue his studies for a time, and seek paid work.