In the first Assassin’s Creed game, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad’s mentor and eventual enemy is Al Mualim.
Al Mualim leads the Assassin Order from Masyaf during the Third Crusade. After Altaïr breaks the Order’s rules during a failed mission, Al Mualim reduces him to the lowest rank and sends him to eliminate nine targets. These assignments form the central structure of the game.
The name “Al Mualim” means “the teacher” or “the master” in Arabic. He initially appears to be a wise and authoritative guide, but the story later reveals that he has become involved with the Apple of Eden and seeks control over its power.
Players sometimes confuse Al Mualim with Rashid ad-Din Sinan, the historical leader associated with the medieval Nizari Ismailis. Assassin’s Creed fictionalizes its history, and Al Mualim is the game’s fictionalized portrayal rather than a strictly documentary character.