Ayberk Efendi, leader of the Royal Ottoman Society, recently gave a teaching on the signs that point to the final phase of this world. Drawing on prophetic narrations and current geopolitical events, he outlined a timeline suggesting that humanity may be within the last fifty-three years before the great trial known as al-Malhama al-Kubra (the Great War, or Armageddon).
A Prophetic Countdown in the Hijri Calendar
According to strong hadith collections, the Prophet ﷺ told his Ummah that the end would not come before the year 1500 AH. Ayberk Efendi reminded us that we have already passed 1400 AH and are now in 1447 AH. The distance to the prophetic marker of 1500 AH is 53 lunar years, a period many scholars see as the final window before the Hour.
He stressed that these narrations are not merely symbolic; they match visible developments:
- A rise in global conflicts, notably the escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
- New alliances and rivalries that reshape the balance of power.
- Technological advances that make large-scale warfare ever more possible.
Seen against the prophetic timeline, these developments suggest that we are approaching the threshold foretold in the tradition.
From Jesus (ʿĪsā) to the Mahdi – The 53-Year Sequence
Ayberk Efendi divided the remaining years into two phases:
- The next 40 years correspond to the expected return of ʿĪsā (peace be upon him), which, according to Islamic eschatology, precedes the final tribulations.
- The final 13 years are expected to culminate in the appearance of the Mahdi (peace be upon him) and the outbreak of the Melhame-i Kübra, the cataclysmic war that will engulf much of humanity.
He cited a well-known prophetic statement: “When there are eight (powers) on earth, seven will perish; when there are seven, six will disappear,” describing how great powers fall away one after another until only the Mahdi remains to halt the devastation. With roughly 8 billion people on the planet today, he read this narration as a warning that a majority could be lost in the coming war unless divine intervention occurs.
Why Only the Mahdi Can Stop the Storm
When smaller states clash, larger powers such as the United States or Russia can step in and enforce a ceasefire. But if two superpowers ever fought each other directly, Russia against America for example, no earthly authority could guarantee peace. In that case, only the Mahdi (peace be upon him) would have the spiritual authority to restrain the conflict and protect humanity.
Ayberk Efendi urged listeners not to meet these signs with fear alone but with a sense of responsibility. Knowing that the foretold period may be near should inspire greater devotion, unity and preparation for the trials ahead.
As we reflect on this countdown, let us turn inward, strengthen our connection to the divine path and support one another within the Royal Ottoman Society. Those who wish to deepen their practice are welcome at our live meetings, where seekers gather for Bayʿah (spiritual allegiance) and guided study of the Qur’an, hadith and Sufi wisdom.
If you wish to become part of a community that honors these teachings and preserves the Ottoman heritage, consider joining us as a member. Together we can face these challenging times with faith, knowledge and solidarity.
Membership information: https://royalottomans.com/membership
Live meetings for spiritual growth: https://royalottomans.com/live-meetings
