It is unlikely that after performing Hajj, he passed through Sham on his way to Iraq, which was where his sheikhs were heading. It was almost unanimously agreed upon that he stayed in Baghdad for many years seeking knowledge, representing an important stage in this journey and a significant period of residence in the East.

Life in Iraq in the early sixth century: The Abbasid Caliphate had weakened, especially since the early fifth century, and the Caliph in Baghdad was merely a symbol of authority without any real influence. This situation tempted neighboring states, such as the Fatimid state and the emerging Seljuks in Iran, to extend their dominion over Iraq and its capital, Baghdad, and they pursued this vigorously.

The Seljuks managed to be the first to extend their influence over Baghdad and all of Iraq during the reign of Tughril I in the year 447 AH. From that time onwards, the real power belonged to the Seljuk prince and his viziers, while the Abbasid Caliph only retained the outward appearances of kingship.

Indeed, Baghdad witnessed a period of stability and prosperity under the Seljuks and their strong state. However, in the late fifth and early sixth centuries, two major dangers began to threaten the region: the first was the escalation of the Ismaili da'wah (call) by the Fatimids. The Ismaili Batinis became active and spread their influence, reaching the point of carrying out political assassinations, one of the victims of which was the Seljuk vizier Nizam al-Mulk. They also had a da'wah in Baghdad with their opinions and pamphlets explaining them.