Folk Beliefs in Baghdad as Reflected in the Writings of Ibn al-Sa’i al-Baghdadi (d. 674 AH / 1275 AD) (Taking Belief in Dreams and Astrology as an Example)

Abstract

Popular beliefs are a social phenomenon resulting from theInteraction of individuals in their social relationships and their perceptions of life, existence, and the
fearsome forces of nature that dominate or control the course of the universe. For many reasons, the most important of which is the social accumulation of customs,
traditions and ideas, belief becomes a compelling, overarching force; it commands in positive instances and subdues in negative ones. Consequently, this, we also see
that belief takes on a sacred, spiritual and even religious character, as it is a product of the lives of previous generations, with the ideas they held, the struggles they
waged against the forces of nature and other powers, and the teachings and ethics instilled in their souls by their sages, messengers and spiritual leaders
 Folk beliefs, with their inherited customs and traditions, are common to all peoples across the ages; Yet they differ from one nation to another and from one country
to another, depending on the nature of society and the influence of the natural environment upon it, as noted by Ibn Khaldun, who observed the influence of the climate
on the character of peoples and many of their conditions, such as their morals, religions and temperament, and the influence of the nature of work and people whether
live in urban or nomadic settings on human dispositions and customs as well (2).
 The city of Baghdad is one of the Arab cities that has preserved for itself many popular beliefs passed down by its people from generation to generation, which
reflects the cultural nature of this society through the ideas and visions it has held onto throughout the ages, and how these have influenced its decisions and the affairs
of daily life. Folk beliefs in the city of Baghdad have formed part of the folk heritage that has shaped the collective consciousness of society throughout the ages;
They are not merely transient, inherited beliefs, but have held profound significance for people, who have found in them a means of filling the void left by the harsh
realities of life, or as a substitute for what science could not provide. Thus, people turned to exorcists and astrologers instead of doctors, and viewed omens, jinn and
astrology as means of foretelling the future, as they served as warnings to avoid the unknown or to seek it out. The impact of these beliefs was not limited to the social
sphere; They also contributed to the development of the urban landscape, as dreams often became a direct cause for construction and building. They also contributed
to intellectual development; Through these beliefs, the movement of translation and authorship flourished in the scientific fields in which they specialized.