THE HUMANS BEHIND THE ASSASSINS - Revealing the True Nizari Ismailis

Everyone knows about the Order of the Assassins. The calculated exploits, the terror they produced across the Middle East and beyond during the Middle Ages. Everyone feared their daggers and avoided being on their bad side. Even in modernity, there is a new appeal towards the Assassins as the gaming industry has created a highly successful video game series called Assassins Creed.
But what do you really know about the Assassins, the people and humans behind the myth and mystery? Were they really the bloody thirsty Order that assassinated a great deal of prominent leaders during the 11th to the 13th century? Crusader kings and grand viziers of the various super powers of the time. What was their mission in life? It could not have been purely to bring fear into the general population.
This video brings to life the real humans behind the Assassins, the Nizari Ismailis, a faith far removed from violence and brutality, but a society that had to find a way to survive the times. A time when there was high conflict between religions and sects within the same religion. Come discover the true facts about the Assassins and maybe you might find a new understanding and sympathy towards them.
#assassins #assassinscreed #ismaili #nizari #muslim #dagger #terror #fear #crusades #seljuk #fake #myth #legend #history #sacrifice #military #strategy #tactics #mission #deadly #reputation #survival #middleages #mystery #mystique #faith
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[@zainuddin3082]

I'm nizari ismaili from Hunza Pakistan. Its true I see even in this age our community is devoted to education, peace, and coexistence with sister communities.

[@tareqkandari7277]

I think this should be a universal mission Zainadine. And i thank you for sharing your input with us all.

[@qkranarchist3015]

Good to hear of Nizari history told through a more sympathetic viewpoint. Breaking down the imperial propaganda to reveal truths is a great goal for this channel. Wishing you peace. ❤

[@crozraven]

While it's clearly not 1:1 comparison to the historical facts, Assassin's Creed has single handedly & undoubtedly created a much more positive romanticized version of Order of The Assassins. A secretive worldwide scale order that try to bring freedom, just, & order unto the world. Prior to this game franchise, it is indeed true that most of Assassin depictions are more akin to a ruthless killers for the highest bidders. As of now, I think Assassin has become much more about that mythical almost superhero archetype of a hidden shadow warrior, similar to shinobi/ninja.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Hello Crozraven. Yes I actually do understand this shift in perspective towards the Assassins and I do acknowledge that they have reflected a much more friendly and heroic version of the Order. The idea is to take the myth away and humanise the people who were behind the Assassins and why they had to act in such a ruthless yet tactical and necessary way in order for their survival. Thank you so much for shedding light and I enjoyed learning from your commentary.

[@ladart5709]

I absolutely love learning about the history of the assassins and how their legend developed to what it is today. So many shows and games. Assassins creed is of course well known, but if you’re curious where else you might see their tale pop up check out ,Betty boop old man of the mountain, vampire masquerade benu Haqim, I believe their is a card game called world breakers that has a faction, Netflix has a show based on Marco Polo that features the order. The game desert blade has a playable character inspired by the assassin’s. The manga series fate has the character king hasan. The count of Monte cristo ch 31 by Alexander Duma, oh he was also part of club Des Hashashin which took its own inspiration from the legend. Nietzsche also mentions the legend in the Geneology of morals, William s Bourroughs was deeply inspired by the legend which he learned from Brion Gysin who credits the legend as the origin for the cut up writing method. Oh and check out DD squad as they perform the leap of faith (into hay of course) in real life. Really liked the video by the way! I’m glad more are learning about this fascinating piece of history.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Yes I am familiar with some of the variations that have involved the Assassins. Unfortunately they all more or less ascribe to the whole mystic and fear mongering clan of extremists. But thank you for sharing any way. Knowledge is knowledge.

[@agakarimshah6416]

I am an Ismaili from Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan, we are renowned for the true wisdom of peace and faith. Even if it was Fatimid Caliphate or nizari state, we believed in knowledge and education, our works in science, literature, art had great impact in their time. We believe in unity and peace as our hazir Imam taught us

[@tareqkandari7277]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Aga Karim.

[@Tzadokite]

Thanks for this beautiful video about a group of muslims who have been vilified and villainized so greatly without attempting to understand them and why they had to resort to this masterful, brilliant but definitely more humane way to defend themselves. I was particularly surprised by the fact that the english name "assassins" is not derived from "hashashins" but from "assass". Today every country has 'special forces' for 'special operations' which are directly adopted from the military strategy of the nazari ismailis'. I hope through this video we make efforts to adopt their main beliefs, that of cultivating the intellect, pursuit of knowledge (hasan al saba was himself a brilliant mathematician, astronomer and philosopher) and tolerance of everyone irrespective of their religion, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Well said Tzadokite! We definitely need more tolerance. It's very strange how we sometimes have tolerance of a totally different faith yet criticise and judge most the ones who believe in the same fundamental as our own religion. Still waiting on your thoughts on collaborating on a given topic!

[@MithgalAlFayez01]

You undoubtedly have the content to achieve whatever you're seeking in this KZbin channel, thank you for your evident efforts!

[@tareqkandari7277]

Amazing commentary Mithgal. I thank you sincerely and I hope to see you on the commentaries for many more to come!

[@vendetta7221134]

I’m really starting to love this channel

[@tareqkandari7277]

Appreciated Ras AlGhul! A name with high regard!!!

[@IronFromNW]

*Super surprised, I knew that something was not right but I never knew it went that deep into the lore of it. The paradise shown on earth that made them give up their life so fast was a very nice addition to the story as that shows why they were so willing.*

[@tareqkandari7277]

You mean willing as per legend, not as per fact. Yes much of the lore is wobbly but it suited a romanticised perception of one culture towards another less understood one.

[@makaveli7130]

MashaAllah,the best channel i have come across lately . keep going sir

[@tareqkandari7277]

Thank you Makaveli7130. You are very kind and I am greatly appreciative. Hope you keep joining us on this journey and also hope you share this channel with like minded people.

[@qkranarchist3015]

Really appreciating this channel. This was an excellent episode.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Really appreciate your time and support!

[@Zoraiz.B]

Great content as usual. Thanks for packing all the info on a specific time in history with such detail in a short video.👏

[@tareqkandari7277]

Zoraiz!!!! Always great seeing you here. Thanks again my friend. I really enjoy it when you say a lot in a little. Packing my punches!

[@Zoraiz.B]

@@tareqkandari7277 May Allah Bless you loads sir!

[@user-qw3on4wq5b]

Thank you 🙏 😊

[@tareqkandari7277]

Noooo! Thank you so much my most amazing viewer!!! ❤❤❤

[@nycboogie]

Another banger!

[@tareqkandari7277]

Thats an amazing comment JJ! Thanks as always.

[@kehindebamgbopa3037]

Couldn't agree more! indeed, another banger!

[@brendasmart553]

Insightful presentation, loved it, great work by you as usual. Always appreciate the various aspects you share of islamic history & communities!

[@tareqkandari7277]

Thank you Brenda. I am glad you enjoyed. That's the mission, to keep sharing perspectives that might be overlooked.

[@theonlyMED]

I can't help but think you watched the new Egyptian Ramadan show 'Hashashin' as well :). Great and nuanced analysis as always!

[@tareqkandari7277]

Read about the show but didn't see it. Will check out some of the content.

[@AliAqdas-wn9on]

I never knew my ancestors were assassins because ismaili nizaris today focus more on education and future.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Your ancestors were still fairly focused on education and the seeking of knowledge back then, but they also had to contend with their survivability and defend themselves in an ingenious manner.

[@ishqekarimi]

Thanks for the video ❤ a great man hasan i sbbah was devoted but he is misrepresented in history unfortunately. 😢

[@themystic404]

Hi brother! This was a great counter to the polemics , although it would have been much better if you had added the escape of Imam Nizar a.s son Imam Al Hadi a.s

[@tareqkandari7277]

Hello @themystic404. Thank you and I am very glad you enjoyed it. I actually wanted to stay away from the actual assassinations as well as the attempted ones purposefully so that it has a lesser impression on the story telling.

[@maddogbasil]

*Can You Make a Video on islamic revival and Anti-Colonial movements like The Dervish movement in east Africa*

[@tareqkandari7277]

I will take a look into it Basil. I am not aware of the Dervish Movement of Somalia if thats the one you are suggesting. Thank you for making the recommendation. Greatly appreciate it.

[@maddogbasil]

@@tareqkandari7277 it's honestly an incredible period in later colonial history of Africa and early 20th century islamic history

[@TawsifEC]

Ya Ali Madad 🤲🏾

[@tareqkandari7277]

Speak how you feel.

[@lerenschrijven9339]

Eid Mubarak!! A fabulous way of explanation and narrative Tariq! Once perceived as the mysterious Hachashin in historical annals, my understanding was colored by a superficial lens, envisioning a group possibly intertwined with Hashish-induced visions of Jannah and Hoor El Ayn. Yet, your clarifications are once again a revelation. Beyond this misconceived veil, I've always been captivated by their unwavering dedication and strict discipline in both religion and military. I also used to play the game on the PlayStation. (Maybe that explains my obsession and admiration) 😂 I’m wondering could it be that the root of their name is intertwined with Al-Mu’assisin (The Builders)? Moreover, since our last messaging I have script ideas brewing on diverse themes: - The melodic tapestry of Arabic/Persian Music, akin to the legendary Zyriab. -The journey of Arab Explorers reminisces tales of the langdry Ibn Fadlan -. -Shifting the Paradigm with Ibn Al-Rushd (Averrous)

[@tareqkandari7277]

Hello Leren. Blessings inshallah to us all. Muslim and not. I am very glad the video opened up a new rendition of the Assassin story. Mu’assissin could also be a valid etymological source. The ideas you list are phenomenal. I think from an angle of viewer demand, ibn Rushd would be the front runner. I am even excited by the element of doing the research and reading. Zyriab is one also that entices me. Ibn Fadlan I don’t know at all. I know other Arabian explorers but not him but will definitely check him out. I think we should have a chat. Can you reach out to me on IG. My account is @tareqkandari. We can chat there more easily. Thank you again for agreeing to collaborate. Really looking forward to it.

[@lerenschrijven9339]

@@tareqkandari7277 Hey Tariq, excellent. Thank you for your feedback about the teams I agree. IG chat will make it easier.I made yesterday an IG account specially for this. I was banning social media for a while to use my time more efficiently.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Sorry I took you into the realm of social media evil! LOL.

[@lerenschrijven9339]

@@tareqkandari7277 Haha No worries. All is in dualism day/night etc. Social media goes both way , it’s a choice of how /purpose we it for. A knife can one use to cut vegetables and also in the same time one can harm someone with it. 😅

[@skeletonking4119]

They created a whole vampire clans from this legend to game vampire the masquerade The clan named Banu Haqim

[@tareqkandari7277]

Didn't know that. Thank you for sharing.

[@EstadodePalestina]

Revealing, another way to conceive it after all which it has been said. Thank you!

[@tareqkandari7277]

Thank you EP. Appreciate your openness to the story.

[@MuizzHunzukuz]

Nicely told the story. Misrepresented by enemies of the sect while the nizari ismaili fidayeen were indeed the most organized military intelligence pioneers who excelled and did precision oriented missions. 👏 Even though Imams of Ismaili Muslims have stressed more on Peace over Conflict but that era needed a force like that for survival.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Fully agreed. And with that strategy is why I believe that such a myth has been misrepresentative and harmful to history.

[@adamw9021]

Not only that even some of the great military generals like Saladin or Salahudin was even afraid of the assassins when one of the members infiltrated him but very good video

[@tareqkandari7277]

Thank you Adam. Yes the Nizamis did instil fear even in Salahudin.

[@usamaizm]

To keep with the tradition you have set out, you must also research 🔬 Abdullah ibn Saba al Himyari. There is a hodge podge of historical references to this character and similar characters who when one researches, one finds a parallel historical timeline that influences the contemporary historical timeline in a rather seemingly ambiguous way which further leads to one’s naivety.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Oh wow! Will definitely check Abdullah bin Saba al Himyari. Never heard of him but that is the beauty of such sharing of information, constant learning. So greatly appreciated Usama.

[@usamaizm]

@@tareqkandari7277 You’re welcome.

[@nizarshawwa3704]

Stop talking about me :(

[@tareqkandari7277]

Sorry Nizar but it was meant to be.

[@LuisAldamiz]

Interesting take. The biggest novelty I learned was the etymology of their name (seems the book I read on them was quite good and not too dissimilar to what you explained, except in some details maybe). I recall the book (which I lost years ago) blamed their demise on the crusaders less personalist way of organizing, claiming that the assassination of Monfort had little to no effect, because the Western system placed much less weight on personal leadership than the Muslim one in that era, being even such a key leader more or less replaceable right away. What do you make of this? New interesting channel for me, new subscriber for you. Cheers.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Hi Luis, I thank you greatly for your wonderful words of support and encouragement. There are other interpretations on the etymology that links the name Assassins with their leaders name Hasan a Sabah, so suggesting Hasanins with the H becoming silent. Regarding Monfort, it is still open for debate whether the Assassins were the ones who killed the potential crusader king. Many state that King Richard had his motives to end any chance for Monfort to take control of Jerusalem.

[@LuisAldamiz]

@@tareqkandari7277 - No! You're destroying another of my myths: good old Richard Lionheart is now the real assassin?! 😨 In English tradition of murder-solving novels it's always the butler and never the king. That's canonically unacceptable! 😂

[@tareqkandari7277]

Sorry! 🫣

[@ProGamer-wj3oj]

Any book on the Nizari Ismails(Hassasins) in english?

[@ProGamer-wj3oj]

Loved the video! Any Books in english that you recommend reading on the Muslims history Of Arabs? Like on Sunnis and shias and Nizari Ismails?

[@tareqkandari7277]

A book on Ismailis with some Nizari doctrine and principles can be "Paradise of Submission: A Medieval Treatise on Ismaili Thought" by Nasir Al Din Al Tusi. Thank you for your kind words.

[@ProGamer-wj3oj]

@@tareqkandari7277 Thanks! And any book on Sunnis and Shias/ Abbassids and Ummayads?

[@bigdaddy7729]

Not a nizari fan, but truth is truth and I thank you for presenting it . Kinda like how Israelis are presenting Hamas without the entire context

[@tareqkandari7277]

Appreciate you being open to finding out about those even who you are not a fan of. Good on you.

[@abdalazizariff5154]

excellent analysis. PROPAGANDA IS SO POWERFUL THAT IT WILL HUMANISE DEMONS AND DEMONISE HUMANS. the safavids also killed a lot of persians.!

[@tareqkandari7277]

Propaganda and shaming is very powerful indeed. Many civilisations that accuse others of misdeeds themselves have committed the same unfortunately.

[@jayburkhart1781]

very educational. thank you sir. one question. islam is the belief of most muslims, correct? if you made that the starting point, could you like graph it out to show how and when its meanings were perceived differently by people so it fractures into different sects? am i using that word correctly like that? i don't mean down to the smallest of them, more like maybe 8-10 branches? i do not mean to offend. i am merely curious ty

[@tareqkandari7277]

Jay, not offended by a long shot. Actually I really like your idea. Can be a full visual synopsis and reasoning for splits that took place over time. Will log it into the channel's upcoming topic list. Thank you so much and I really appreciate you watching, your commenting, suggesting and your kind words.

[@jayburkhart1781]

@@tareqkandari7277 thank you. nice to know that i do have good ideas sometimes.

[@johntuman1891]

This was great. However I’m still going to pretend that Altair can climb walls and assassins creed is historical. It’s just funner that way 😂

[@tareqkandari7277]

Pretend as much as you like John. If it makes you happy then it's good to go.

[@Aripuni1]

Well its fine just think assassin creed as fiction and entertainment as long as you know the real story, I mean altair is cool as fiction character

[@tareqkandari7277]

Hehe. That’s funny. Sorry about that.

[@Azizullah13579]

salam alikume brother, you deserve all the good in this world. you give me hope that real researchers still exist. I read that the followers are called Hassaniyah from the name of the leader Hassan e Sabah . the French and English don't pronounce the "H" in the middle ages, this is where you get (H)assaniyan or assassins. this is my insight. but everything you said is very accurate and i reached similar conclusion many years ago. i would like to say that Hassan e Sabah means the Good Awakening or the good morning . The good awakening from Ghaflat. Hassan e Sabah was a Islamic Shaman who had deep battinyah knowledge. you should read more into him, tasawuf , and ibn arabi. i know you will be pleased with our Islamic Civilization and the many expressions of islamic life.

[@tareqkandari7277]

Yes Azizullah you are also correct regarding the name in reference to Hassan. This is also very plausible. Regarding Battiniyah, yes I am aware of Hasan a Sabah's role and this will come in another video I am preparing regarding Muslim mysticism in the near future. Thank you for sharing.

[@Azeez89]

Have they in any shape or form contributed to Freemasonry?

[@tareqkandari7277]

I am not sure Azeri. Never came across that overlapping. But I can start to see some semblances of alignment.

[@Azeez89]

@@tareqkandari7277 Yeah, I mean, most Freemasons will deny any influence from Islam on Freemasonry mainly because they just don't know but they're taught to preserve their "secret" traditions. However, After researching the Nizaris, Ismaelis, Durze, Alawites then Sufism and Gnosticism I can see clear as day that Muslims had influence. I think it was a token of appreciation to Islam from some of the Christian crusaders that were present in the Holyland and have been exposed to Islam and Judaism alike. This is not unlike many "European" things that are actually Middle Eastern like the emphasis on rationality and worth of an individual. This is just what I think based off my own research into the similarities of all these orders.

[@aminrehmani3400]

Asslamalikum.Ismaili innovative idea mostly taken from Jews Way of life nothing but mumbo-jumbo BS. If you don’t follow sunnah profit, Mohammed peace be upon him. You are misguided. This video wasted my 12 minutes, may Allah forgive me.

[@tareqkandari7277]

I'd sorry to hear that you feel that way. I don't believe that telling a non bias story regarding any culture or civilisation is a waste of time or signifies being misguided. In that way, only those that you fully align yourself with will fall into your acceptance and everyone else faces your judgement. We are not judges. Only one is.

[@aminrehmani3400]

@@tareqkandari7277 I totally agree, not supposed to judge anyone, but holy Quran and sunnah of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, is crystal clear people choose not to see or believe that’s unfortunate.

[@tareqkandari7277]

I agree with you Amin. But one thing we should avoid as it makes us less, is when one condemns others for having beliefs that are contradictory to one's own. Islam promotes the will of man and the ability for man to make the right or wrong choices, within religion and without, the consequences of which will be accrued when the time is right. Peace be with you.

[@aminrehmani3400]

@@tareqkandari7277 I guess Allah created the heaven and hell for a reason who knows who goes where, may Allah guide us in the right path. I really appreciate your time. Peace be upon you to. All the best thanks.