02/04/2025
The False Cleric
Mohammad Shaizan
Once upon a time in a kingdom ruled by a wise and just king, there existed two prominent groups within the realm, each led by a figure of considerable influence. One group was led by Irfan, a charismatic politician known for his unwavering support of the state and its governance. Irfan believed in the power of unity and the strength of a well-governed state to bring prosperity to all its citizens. He was preparing to contest the upcoming elections, hoping to bring his vision of a harmonious and progressive society to fruition.
The other group was under the sway of Akbar, a cleric whose influence was as dark as his intentions. Akbar was known for his anti-state rhetoric, often speaking against the rule of the king and the very fabric of the society of the kingdom. Unknown to many, Akbar was not just a dissenter; he was an agent working covertly for a neighbouring enemy nation, aiming to destabilize the kingdom from within.
As the election season approached, Irfan, in his quest for victory, sought unconventional alliances. Behind closed doors, he approached Akbar and asked him for support. Meanwhile, Akbar, ever the opportunist, was approached by Imtiyaz, a rival of Irfan who was contesting elections against him. Imtiyaz offered him a substantial sum of money—a million bucks—and Akbar accepted the money with a promise of backing Imtiyaz in the elections. He betrayed Irfan, breaking the promises he had made. He did everything for the sake of money and did not keep his word, even when he spoke from the pulpit about the importance of staying true to your word.
While Irfan campaigned with integrity, speaking of peace, development, and unity, Akbar began to weave his web of deceit. Instead of supporting Irfan, he did what he was good at; Betrayal, instigated people to vote against Irfan, and used the money to further his own nefarious plans. Akbar, cloaked in the guise of a religious leader, was far from holy. He instigated violence, radicalized the youth, and had blood on his hands from his covert operations against his own nation. His actions were not just against Irfan but against the very peace of the kingdom.
This treachery by Akbar did not stop at betrayal. He began to call for war against his own nation, rallying his followers with fiery speeches that painted the king and Irfan as tyrants. When the king, upon learning of these seditious activities, banned Akbar from public speaking, Akbar turned his venom towards Irfan. He accused Irfan of conspiring against him, claiming that Irfan was plotting to seize his land.
The situation escalated when, under the instigation of Akbar, violence erupted in a local village. A young man named Abid, full of potential and hope, was caught in the chaos and was severely injured. Akbar, seizing the opportunity, spread lies that Irfan was behind the attack, suggesting that Irfan wanted Abid dead to justify an assault on the villages where Akbar rules. This was a blatant attempt to turn public sentiment against Irfan, painting him as a villain in the eyes of the people.
Despite these accusations, Irfan remained steadfast. He visited Abid in the hospital, offering support and showing genuine concern, which contrasted sharply with the cold manipulation by Akbar. The followers of Irfan rallied around him, seeing through the lies of Akbar, while the followers of Akbar, misled by his charisma and false promises, continued to sow discord.
Irfan, blindsided by the accusations, fought to clear his name, but the damage was done. The evils of Akbar had taken root, a cancer gnawing at the heart of the nation. The greed of the cleric, his lust for power, and his allegiance to a foreign foe had turned a simple election into a battlefield. And as the river flowed quietly past the town, it carried with it the echoes of the sins committed by Akbar—sins that would one day demand a reckoning, even if the world did not yet know it.
In the end, Akbar was stripped of his influence, his deeds exposed to the light of day. Irfan, on the other hand, emerged not just as a politician but as a leader who stood for the values of the kingdom. His campaign, though marred by betrayal, was a testament to his integrity and commitment to peace. The people, seeing the stark contrast between the two leaders, rallied behind Irfan, ensuring his victory in the elections, bringing hope and stability back to the kingdom. And so, under the rule of the wise king and with leaders like Irfan, the kingdom began to heal, moving towards a future where unity and justice prevailed over deceit and division.
