In Assassin's Creed, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's mentor and eventual rival is Al Mualim.
Al Mualim leads the Assassin Brotherhood from Masyaf during the events of the first game. He is initially presented as Altaïr's teacher and superior, assigning him missions against important Templar targets during the Third Crusade.
The relationship changes after Altaïr discovers that Al Mualim has secretly used the Apple of Eden. Rather than destroying the artifact, Al Mualim attempts to use its power to control others. This makes him the final major opponent in the game.
The Arabic title “Al Mualim” means “the teacher” or “the master,” which reflects his authority within the Brotherhood. Players sometimes confuse him with other Assassin leaders introduced in later games, but Al Mualim is specifically the central mentor figure in the original Assassin's Creed.