In this extensive interview conducted by the Royal Ottoman Society, Sheikh Bahauddin Adil Efendi—son of Mawlāna Sheikh Nazim and brother of Mawlāna Sheikh Mehmed Adil—shares profound insights into the approaching Golden Age of Imam Mahdi A.S., end‑time prophecies, the trial of Dajjal, and the spiritual preparation required for the great war (al‑Malḥama). The dialogue, hosted by Imran Efendi, offers a comprehensive view of the theological, historical, and practical dimensions of this pivotal era.
1. The Golden Age of Imam Mahdi A.S.
Sheikh Bahauddin Adil Efendi describes the period that will follow the appearance of Imam Mahdi as a “Golden Age” in which divine blessings and spiritual illumination will surpass any technological advancement known to humanity today. He emphasizes that while modern societies pride themselves on aircraft, satellites, and digital networks, the true marvels of Mahdi’s era will render such achievements modest by comparison.
1.1 Super‑natural Mobility – “Step People”
One of the most striking features discussed is a form of instantaneous travel termed “step people.” By simply expressing an intention—“I want to go to Mecca”—the individual will be transported directly to the holy site without any physical vehicle or intermediary. The same principle applies to any destination, from Madīna to the North Pole, illustrating a reality where distance ceases to be a barrier.
1.2 Vision‑Based Travel – “Seeing Technology”
Sheikh Bahauddin adds that a second level of mobility will operate through vision alone: by looking at a place—such as the Moon—the traveler will find himself there instantly, without spacecraft or astronaut training. This technology underscores the principle that the believer becomes the means of his own movement, eliminating reliance on material instruments.
2. Spiritual Rewards in the Age of Mahdi
The interview repeatedly stresses the unmatched reward for sincere worship during this epoch:
- Two Raka‘at (units) of prayer will generate an immeasurable bounty from Allah, far surpassing any worldly gain.
- The Prophet ﷺ foretold that those who perform even these brief prayers will receive “a multitude of blessings” that will be distributed among the faithful.
- According to Sheikh Bahauddin, if roughly one‑billion people pray regularly while the world’s population reaches eight billion, the reward each believer receives will be multiplied many times over.
He warns against the modern distractions—busy schedules, incessant notifications, and material preoccupations—that dilute concentration in prayer. The remedy he offers is consistent, heartfelt worship, which aligns the individual with the divine currents of the Golden Age.
3. The Great War (Al‑Malḥama) and Its Preparation
The hadith literature mentions that a massive conflict—al‑Malḥama—will precede the advent of Imam Mahdi. Sheikh Bahauddin outlines several practical realities:
- Food scarcity: In wartime, monetary wealth, gold, or commodities become useless; only sustenance matters.
- Spiritual fortitude: Maintaining prayer, dhikr (remembrance), and reliance on Allah becomes the true “currency” that cannot be confiscated.
He advises believers to cultivate a deep inner connection with Allah now, for when material systems collapse, spiritual resilience will sustain the community.
4. The Decline of the Ottoman Empire and the Rise of Wahhabism
Sheikh Bahauddin links the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the emergence of Wahhabi (Salafi) movements. He characterizes this ideology as a “virus” deliberately introduced to erode authentic Islam:
- It seeks to demolish traditional Sufi structures, which historically preserved Islamic unity and spirituality.
- The movement’s goal was to weaken the Ottoman system that had governed a mosaic of 72½ nations with relative tolerance, thereby creating fertile ground for external powers.
He explains how the Ottoman practice of sacrificing internal royal members to avoid civil war—exemplified by sultans who eliminated potential claimants—was a calculated strategy to preserve lives and maintain stability across a diverse empire.
5. Mawlāna Sheikh Nazim’s Legacy
Sheikh Bahauddin highlights Mawlāna Sheikh Nazim al‑Qādirī as the spiritual pillar that upheld Ottoman virtues:
- He embodied justice for all peoples, regardless of ethnicity or tribe, echoing the empire’s inclusive policy.
- By proclaiming himself “the last Ottoman,” he preserved the moral and spiritual ethos of the dynasty even after its political dissolution.
- His teachings emphasized humility, self‑sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty to Allah—principles that remain vital for today’s believers.
6. Loyalty (Bay‘ah) and the Role of a Murshid
A central theme is the relationship between a murid (disciple) and his murshid (spiritual guide). Sheikh Bahauddin explains:
- When a disciple gives bay‘ah, he entrusts his heart to the murshid, who becomes responsible for its safety both in this life and after death.
- This bond shields believers from Shayṭān’s attempts to sever their faith at the moment of death.
- The murshid also intercedes on behalf of his followers during the questioning in the grave and on the Day of Resurrection.
He contrasts this with modern movements that reject any spiritual hierarchy, arguing that the Qur’an alone cannot provide the nuanced guidance required for individual circumstances without scholarly interpretation and a living tradition.
7. Final Reflections
Sheikh Bahauddin Adil Efendi concludes by urging the ummah to:
- Prioritize sincere worship, especially the two‑raka‘at prayer, as the gateway to abundant divine reward.
- Strengthen allegiance to a qualified murshid, thereby securing spiritual protection in times of trial.
- Remain vigilant about the signs of the approaching Golden Age, recognizing that true technology will be spiritual rather than material.
His message resonates with the Royal Ottoman Society’s mission: preserving the heritage of the Ottoman legacy while preparing believers for the imminent era heralded by Imam Mahdi A.S.
For those interested in deepening their understanding and joining a community devoted to these teachings, membership information is available at:
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The interview stands as a valuable resource for anyone seeking insight into the spiritual, historical, and eschatological dimensions of the forthcoming Golden Age.
