Al Mualim

*"I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing at the wind. For in much wisdom, is much grief, and he that increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow."*
―Al Mualim
**Rashid ad-Din Sinan** (Arabic: رشيد الدين سنان), better known as **Al Mualim** (Arabic: المعلم) and as the **Old Man of the Mountain** (Arabic: شيخ الجبل) was a Levantine Assassin and the Mentor of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins until his death in 1191, and the tutor to his eventual successor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.

Al Mualim's desire to obtain an Apple of Eden led to him secretly betray the Assassins and ally with their sworn enemies, the Knights Templar, whom he later double-crossed, wishing to keep the artifact for himself. He was later killed by Altaïr in Masyaf after his student had uncovered his treachery. Despite his betrayal, Al Mualim's teachings and work during his lifetime ultimately had a positive influence on the Brotherhood going forward.

## Powers and Abilities

### Powers

* **Apple of Eden Capabilities:** Al Mualim greatly desired the treasure of Solomon's Temple, which was an Apple of Eden. With the Apple, he has access to certain supernatural powers.
	+ **Mind Control:** He was able to mesmerize the entire city of Masyaf into his loyal minions. However, beings of Isu heritage, such as Altaïr are immune to its mind control effects.
	+ **Telekinesis:** He was able to physically control Altair and even restrain him.
	+ **Illusion Conjuration:** He is able to generate illusions to make himself disappear by mask his true presence.
	+ **Apparition Conjuration:** He can create several solid apparitions of himself in order to attack his opponent, including copies of the nine men he ordered Altaïr to assassinate.

### Abilities

* **Sword Mastery:** During his battle with Altair, he showed great swordsmanship skills, despite his much elderly age.

## Facilities

* **Masyaf Castle:** The Masyaf Castle was the headquarters of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins. Eventually, Al Mualim would control every Assassin with the Apple of Eden in order to kill Altaïr.

## Relationships

### Enemies

* Assassin's Creed - Former Colleagues
	+ Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins - Former Colleagues and Former Subordinates
		- Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad † - Former Apprentice, Attempted Victim and Killer
		- Malik Al-Sayf †
		- Kadar Al-Sayf †
		- Rauf †
		- Abbas Sofian †
* Saracens
* Templar Order - Former Situational Allies
	+ Levantine Rite of the Templar Order - Former Situational Allies
		- Robert de Sablé † - Former Situational Ally
		- Masun †
		- Jamal †
		- Tamir †
		- Garnier de Naplouse †
		- Talal †
		- Abu'l Nuqoud †
		- William de Montferrat †
		- Majd Addin †
		- Sibrand †
		- Jubair al Hakim †
* Crusaders
	+ Richard I of England †

## Appearances

* *Assassin's Creed*

## Trivia

* Al Mualim is based on Rashid ad-Din Sinan, who was the leader of the Hashashin in the late 12th century. Even though many references are made to the connection between the fictional character and Sinan, Ubisoft could not use Sinan's full name for legal reasons, at least until the release of *Assassin's Creed: Infographics*, though his name was confirmed as Sinan in the non-canonical mobile version of *Assassin's Creed*.