In Assassin's Creed, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's mentor and later enemy is Al Mualim.
Al Mualim is the leader of the Assassin bureau in Masyaf during the events of the first Assassin's Creed game. He trains and commands Altaïr, then sends him on missions against important Templar targets across the Holy Land in 1191.
The name means “the teacher” or “the master” in Arabic, reflecting his position within the Brotherhood. After Altaïr returns with the Apple of Eden, he discovers that Al Mualim has betrayed the Assassins and is using the artifact's power for himself. Altaïr must therefore confront the very mentor who directed his investigation.
Al Mualim is sometimes confused with other major figures in the game, especially Robert de Sablé, the Templar Grand Master and Altaïr's principal political enemy. Al Mualim's role is distinct: he begins as Altaïr's superior inside the Assassin order before becoming the final antagonist.