Abdullah the Black Mystic: The Ethiopian Mysti. Who Taught Neville Goddard and Joseph Murphy

Abdullah the Black Mystic: The Ethiopian Mystic Who Taught Neville Goddard and Joseph Murphy

In the early 20th century,  in an apartment at 30 West 72nd Street in New York City, lived a spiritual teacher whose influence shaped generations of metaphysical thinkers. Abdullah the Black Mystic, an Ethiopian-born Kabbalist and mystic of Jewish heritage, never published a book or toured the world giving lectures. Yet his teachings directly influenced Neville Goddard, Joseph Murphy, and the wider New Thought movement.

A Spiritual Teacher in New York City 

Abdullah’s life remains largely a mystery. We know he lived in New York, spoke Hebrew fluently, and had a deep understanding of Kabbalah, esoteric Christianity, and mystical interpretation of sacred texts. Students who came to him often described him as a force of clarity and conviction—a man who understood the power of imagination and the divine nature within each human being.

Mentoring Neville Goddard

In 1931, a young Neville Goddard was introduced to Abdullah. At the time, Neville was working as a dancer but was yearning for deeper meaning in life. Under Abdullah’s intense mentorship, Neville studied Hebrew, Scripture, and esoteric metaphysics. It was Abdullah who introduced him to the concept of “living in the end”—the practice of imagining and emotionally embodying your desired reality as if it were already true.

Neville often spoke of Abdullah in his lectures, describing him as a stern but loving teacher who would not allow wavering or doubt. “You’re in Barbados,” Abdullah once told Neville when he was longing to visit his family but had no money. Weeks later, circumstances miraculously unfolded, and Neville found himself there. This story became central to Neville’s teachings on the Law of Assumption.

Joseph Murphy and the Law of Belief

Abdullah’s influence also extended to Joseph Murphy, best known for The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. Murphy’s concept of the “Law of Belief” parallels Neville’s teachings and traces directly back to the wisdom of Abdullah. Like Neville, Murphy absorbed the principle that our subconscious beliefs shape our reality—and that transformation begins with inner conviction.

The Legacy of 30 West 72nd Street

Abdullah’s residence at 30 West 72nd Street is more than a footnote—it’s part of New York’s rich spiritual history. The building was once owned by Henry Morgenthau Sr., a diplomat and humanitarian, and later housed the Anthroposophical Society, founded by Rudolf Steiner. Steiner, too, was a mystic and philosopher who emphasized spiritual science and inner transformation. The energy in that building seemed to attract seekers and sages alike.

Planted Seeds 

What’s striking about Abdullah’s story is that it unfolded largely offstage. No social media. No publicist. No books. And yet, through the voices of his students, his message echoes today: You are divine. You are imagination. Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

Abdullah’s wisdom lives on not only in metaphysical circles, but in the lives of anyone who learns to see themselves as creators—partners in shaping reality, from within.

Further Reading and Listening

Neville Goddard lectures (many free on YouTube and Archive.org)

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

Anthroposophy and the legacy of Rudolf Steiner

Mystical Judaism and Kabbalah