The Assassins were a clandestine Islamic group that emerged in the eleventh century in the Middle East, especially in Iran and the Levant. The group was known for its extremist political orientations and methods of assassinations and rebellion.

The story of the Assassins:

The Assassins were founded by Hassan al-Sabah, a person who is considered its founder and first leader. Hasan al-Sabah was initially a religious scholar, but he became a controversial figure after he began founding a sect called "Ismaili Shi'a", specifically the Nizari Ismailis. Sabah and his followers had a base in the mountain fortress of Alamut in northern Iran, where they established a small and powerful state.

Historical sources indicate that the Assassins relied on unconventional methods to achieve their goals, the most famous of which was the assassination of political enemies. The operations were carried out very quickly and accurately, as members of the group infiltrated the places where their opponents were present and killed them with light weapons.

The story of "Sheikh Al-Jabal" is one of the most famous tales associated with the Assassins. Hassan al-Sabah is said to have used strange methods to control his followers, such as deluding them that they would die and live in heaven after carrying out assassination missions. In one story, the morning would offer his followers cannabis in a private garden, to make them feel bliss, and then tell them that they were in heaven. After that, he would send them to carry out serious assassinations, expecting total loyalty from them.

The Assassins were considered a horrific force, especially at the time, as they were able to strike rulers and military commanders in the heart of their capitals. These amazing methods of assassination terrified their enemies, and they used this method to build a small empire in different regions of the Muslim world.

Over time, the power of the Assassins weakened, but they left a great influence on Islamic history, becoming symbols in folk stories and tales, and being addressed by many Western books and sources, making them one of the most famous underground groups in history.