He lived a life of absolute poverty. Eating or sleeping in a safe place was a constant struggle. He lived as an outcast. To tell the truth, in Amud, he gained the trust or the friendship of no one. People saw Shabaka as cultivated, eager to read and learn when possible, and mastering writing, which he did for friends. He was vigorous, muscular, and had a near perfect body. He was known to be lazy, barely waking up in the morning.