In a heartfelt conversation held at the world headquarters of the Royal Ottoman Society, Sheikh Bahauddin Adil Efendi—son of the 40th Grand Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order and brother of Sheikh Muhammad Adil al‑Rabbani—addressed one of the most pressing concerns of our times: How and where will the Malhamah, the prophesied Armageddon or World War III, commence? Drawing upon the teachings transmitted through the awliya, mashayikh, and the broader Sufi tradition, he explained that the forthcoming cataclysm will not be confined to a single region. Instead, it will unfold as a truly global calamity in which every available weapon is employed, unleashing “terrible things” upon humanity at large. The emphasis, therefore, lies not on pinpointing a geographic flashpoint but on recognizing the scale of destruction that will engulf the entire world.
While the description may seem daunting, Sheikh Bahauddin reminded us that such eschatological signs serve as an invitation to turn inward and strengthen our spiritual connection. In Sufi practice, awareness of these trials encourages seekers to deepen reliance on divine mercy, cultivate steadfast patience (sabr), and seek refuge in the inner path toward God. By grounding ourselves in sincere remembrance and communal prayer, we prepare not only for external upheavals but also for the transformation that follows.
For those wishing to explore these teachings further, our digital library offers a wealth of Sufi literature and recorded talks that illuminate the wisdom shared by Sheikh Bahauddin and other revered masters.
