In this teaching, Ayberk Efendi brings together a series of prophetic images that have been discussed in the community recently. Drawing on hadith references, historical anecdotes and symbolic visions, he describes how the appearance of the promised Mahdi might unfold amid the turbulence of our age – and what spiritual awareness this calls for from us as members of the Royal Ottoman Society.
The World Divided into Two Poles
Ayberk Efendi begins by describing a world split into two opposing forces, East and West, locked in a conflict so deep that its origin is hidden in “the darkest darkness.” At this moment of collective despair, when all hope seems gone, Islam will not emerge from the East but will come from the West, walking straight toward the Ottoman lands. The image recalls the final stage of the hadith narrations about the end times, when a decisive divine call resounds across the world.
The Takbir from Kutbetül-Sahra
A striking detail is the statement that a single “Allahu Akbar” will be heard from the Kutbetül-Sahra Cave in Yemen. According to the talk, this cave – surrounded by jinn and whirlwinds – is the hidden refuge where the Mahdi lives with his 99 companions, called “vezir.” French soldiers who once tried to explore the area are said to have vanished without a trace, which underlines the mystical protection of the place.
When the moment comes – signalled by the use of humanity’s most destructive weapons – the Takbir will echo through every living and non-living being. It is presented not as an alarm but as an invitation to all creation to turn toward the coming guidance.
How the Mahdi Will Appear
Contrary to popular speculation about UFOs or high-tech arrivals, Ayberk Efendi emphasises a humble arrival: the Mahdi will come on a bicycle, accompanied by the heavenly steed Burak. His 99 companions are described as evliya (saints) whose age does not matter; they have timeless access to divine grace, which allows them to command time itself.
No material power – no rockets, no batteries, no technological marvels – will be needed for the Mahdi to appear. A single Takbir will bring worldly technology to a halt: “one Takbir and the clocks stop, the batteries cease to work.” True power, the teaching says, lies beyond the physical realm.
Signs of the Final Era
Ayberk Efendi then turns to geopolitical signs. He cites a prophetic warning that Russian forces will enter Turkey only once Islamic governance no longer holds sway: as long as Muslims retain political authority, foreign armies cannot cross Turkey’s borders; once that authority weakens, invasion becomes possible. After such upheavals, “the Ottomans will walk from the West” – a revival of Ottoman spiritual leadership in the final chapter of history.
The talk also names the four “Hatem-ul-Evliya,” the seals of the saints:
- Hazrat Ali (may Allah honour him)
- Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi (the great mystic)
- Hazrat Mehdi (the awaited guide)
- Hazrat Isa (peace be upon him)
Together they stand for a line of divine wisdom that culminates in the Mahdi’s mission.
A Call to Inner Preparation
For all its end-time imagery, the practical message is clear: believers should cultivate an inner state ready to receive the Takbir. This means:
- deepening one’s connection to the evliya through regular dhikr and remembrance;
- studying the prophetic traditions that shed light on the signs of the final era;
- taking part in a community that upholds the Ottoman spiritual heritage and so strengthens one another.
In this spirit, we invite you to our Live Meetings, where seekers deepen their understanding of Sufi teachings, take Bayʿah and walk together on the path toward spiritual realisation.
May the echo of Allah’s greatness guide us through darkness into the light of the Mahdi’s arrival.
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