Muluqen is the oldest son in his family. He was born on his father’s lands, which had been owned by his extended family for several generations. His father and uncle taught him the jobs meant for men. At the age of six, he already shepherded alone and at the age of 11 he began to work as a farmer. He describes the landscape, the vegetation, and the characteristic form of settlement in his area. Buckthorn, coffee, and other types of trees grew in his village. Muluqen describes at length his daily work schedule of herding sheep and cattle, ploughing, milking the cows, and handling the animals. He explains how sick animals were treated. He chased away wild animals such as foxes, boars, and monkeys, to prevent them from eating the crops.

Muluqen’s uncle taught him to be a merchant. He used to travel to the Ethiopian-Sudanese border to sell produce and buy blocks of salt, which he traded in markets in Ethiopia. He describes the trials and tribulations of the journeys, such as sleeping outside.

Muluqen got married at the age of 19. He describes his wedding ceremony, as well as the customs connected to the first day of the month and Sabbath. He relates that his aunt was a midwife and he used to accompany her, especially to difficult deliveries. He helped stabilize and hold the woman who was giving birth. He describes the preparations for childbirth, the birth process, and the treatment they gave to the woman after she gave birth.