A Lawyer's Return: Antonio's Journey to Islam
Antonio
Spain
Previous Religion: None
My Life Before Islam
Antonio García is a professional lawyer born in northern Spain and currently residing in Madrid. For many years, he lived a life of constant searching, exploring various philosophies and worldviews to find a logic that explained human existence. He describes his background as one of academic and professional rigor, where he approached the big questions of life with the mind of a historian and philosopher. Before finding Islam, he felt that human reason must point toward a higher purpose that involves both personal transcendence and a commitment to others.
The Moment of Guidance
Antonio's journey was a "process of immersion" into the study of religion. His first encounter with Islamic texts was difficult because resources were scarce in Spain at the time, but he eventually obtained basic materials and a translation of the Quran through embassies. He was particularly struck by the scientific miracles mentioned in the Quran 1,400 years ago, such as the descriptions of the universe's expansion and the nature of black holes. He officially took his Shahada in 1991 during a visit to a mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. He views this not as a "conversion," but as a "return" (fitra), believing that every human is born with an innate connection to the Creator.
Reflections
Antonio is deeply influenced by Surah Al-Ikhlas, which emphasizes the absolute oneness of God. This surah has such a profound impact on him that he named his professional association and various projects after it (Al-Ikhlas). As a lawyer, he is now a prominent advocate for the rights of Muslims in Spain, working with committees to combat Islamophobia and provide legal backing for the Muslim community. He manages an online portal called "Islam News" to provide accurate information about the faith. He encourages others to approach Islam without fear, viewing it as a complete and coherent system that provides answers for all aspects of life—personal, professional, and social.