El Abah was fond of reading, as he was very keen on studying and researching manuscripts.
In 1790, Pope John XVIII, the Patriarch of Alexandria, took him in as his disciple and personal secretary.
During the papacy of John, Pope Pius VI of Rome attempted to attract the Eastern Churches to Roman Catholicism.
He also sent an envoy to Pope John XVIII of Alexandria, asking him to unite with the Roman Catholic Church.
As a famous scholar and theologian, Yousab was asked to respond to the message, refuting its claims and defending the Non-Chalcedonian Position.