The Cage of Conscience

The Cage of Conscience

BY:Khan

It was one o’clock at night, and Majid Ahmed was awake. Sleep had abandoned him as if it had severed all ties. His life was drenched in despair. He was alive, yet not truly living—his body merely existing, his breath continuing mechanically. He sat in a prison cell, surrounded by walls filled with horror. The fear of loneliness gnawed at him from every corner. Helpless, he could not leave the confines of the cell, and no one came to see him. Ever since he had been imprisoned, the world outside had become alien to him. Friends and relatives had grown distant, and the colors of life had faded. He had become a portrait of hopelessness, lost in conversations with himself, asking questions only he could hear, seeking answers that seemed forever beyond reach.

He didn’t understand why he had been sentenced to this cell. Why had fate brought him here? His name was Kamran, and now he was a prisoner accused of murder. A few days prior, I had met him. I am the jailer here, and my days are filled with such stories.

It was an ordinary morning when I reported for duty. Outside the prison walls, the sky was a clear blue, birds sang sweet, melodious songs, and the world seemed awake. Life flourished beyond the walls, yet within, despair and sadness reigned. Here, every morning felt like autumn, and every night was soaked in fear. Pale faces, sleepless eyes, and exhausted bodies filled the cells. Amidst this sorrow, I alone arrived each morning, refreshed and full of energy, serving my duty. Ten years had passed since I started this job. Every person who comes here is treated as a criminal, whether guilty or innocent. Some are punished for crimes they never committed. This injustice always puzzled me, until the truth about Kamran revealed itself.

Kamran had come from a wealthy family, the pride of his household. Riches surrounded him, yet life is unpredictable. Some are born with silver spoons, others face misfortune from the start. Kamran had lost his mother to cancer at sixteen, and his father had raised him with indulgence. Servants attended to every need, and Kamran grew accustomed to luxury.

He developed a passion for raising native fighting chickens. He created a farm on his estate, training the birds meticulously with special feeds like almonds, butter, and walnuts soaked in ghee. Birds were trained for competitions where they were sold for thousands. But life’s highs come with lows, and Kamran faced his downfall unexpectedly.

One winter, wild cats attacked his farm. Several chickens were killed. Kamran, enraged, punished the caretakers and fired them. The next night, he personally guarded the farm with his gun. When cats attacked again, he shot them, killing two and letting one escape. Two more chickens died in the attack. Kamran felt justified, believing he had protected his property.

A year later, Kamran left a hotel after dining, unaware that a murder had occurred on the upper floor. He was arrested along with the hotel owner and others, though he had nothing to do with the crime. While others secured bail, Kamran remained imprisoned.

For two years, he sat in his cell, staring at the walls, questioning himself, seeking redemption. One day, an elderly, pious man arrived and secured his release on bail. Investigations revealed the murdered woman had been heavily intoxicated, and Kamran’s innocence was proven. The jail had changed him. He realized that the punishment he endured was not for the murder he was accused of, but for the killing of the cats—a test of conscience.

Kamran understood that God places a conscience within every human heart, guiding one to distinguish right from wrong. He repented sincerely, offering prayers and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Through his genuine repentance, God granted him freedom.

He reentered the world, living in accordance with divine guidance, aware of the weight of his actions. His story serves as a reminder: we may unknowingly commit sins for which we face consequences. Repentance is always available. Turn to God sincerely, seek forgiveness, and improve your life in this world and the hereafter.

Kamran’s journey from indulgence, through crime and injustice, to redemption, is a testament to the power of conscience and the mercy of God. His story reminds us that while fate may bring suffering, it is our acknowledgment of wrong and sincere repentance that opens the doors to freedom and a life guided by truth and justice.