Is Assassins Creed based on Islam?

Is Assassin’s Creed Based on Islam?

The Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft, has been a cornerstone of the gaming world since its inception in 2007. The series takes players on a thrilling ride through history, immersing them in fictional events and characters set amidst real-world historical events and cultural contexts. One question that has sparked curiosity and debate among fans is: "Is Assassin’s Creed based on Islam?"

Laying the Groundwork: The Historical Context

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, released in 2010, marked a significant shift in the series, introducing the Hashashin, a real-life Shia Muslim sect from the Middle Ages. The Hashashin, also known as the Nizari Ismaili, were known for their extremist beliefs and brutal methods. The Ubisoft team drew inspiration from the Hashashin’s tenets, incorporating their core principles and rituals into the game.

Creeds and Symbols: Echoes of Islam

1. Creeds: Assassin’s Creed often references creeds, ancient texts that hold great significance in Islamic theology. Players can discover these creeds throughout the game, containing cryptic messages and revealing the Order’s values. These creeds evoke Islam’s Five Pillars (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj) and the Five Tenets of the Order, mirroring the Nizari Ismaili doctrine.

2. Symbols: Islamic symbolism is also present throughout the series. Players may stumble upon the Hamdani (hands clenched in prayer), symbolizing the unity and unity of the Assassin’s creed. Other symbols, like the Nimaa (the name of God), and the Khamsa (the Five), reinforce Islamic themes.

Plot Connections: Nizari Ismaili and Assassination

1. The Assassin’s Brotherhood: The game’s primary storyline revolves around the struggle between the Assassin’s Creed and the Templar’s Order. This struggle, rooted in Islamic principles of justice and protection of humanity, resonates with Islam’s emphasis on safeguarding the ummah (Muslim community).

2. Assassinations: Assassin’s Creed encourages players to take out enemies by stealth, echoing Islamic prohibitions on killing, war, and bloodshed, except in self-defense.

Cultural Context and Inspiration

Ubisoft acknowledges the Nizari Ismaili influence in their games, citing Hashashin teachings on Takfir (excommunication) and the Kharji (radical Islamist beliefs). These elements find parallel in Islamic teachings, showcasing the series’ nods to Islamic culture and spirituality.

A Summary: Islam’s Presence in Assassin’s Creed

In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood and subsequent games subtly and overtly draw inspiration from Islamic teachings, creeds, and symbolism. These elements weave a tapestry of cultural context and meaning, immersing players in a rich narrative environment. While the games take creative liberties, their influences are undeniable. Whether fans acknowledge or dismiss these allusions, Assassin’s Creed’s Islamic undertones elevate the series to new heights of storytelling and thematic complexity.

Additional Sources

• Assassin’s Creed (2007) Official Soundtrack – "Sadr City"
• Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010) Official Guidebook – "The Creed: A Brief History of the Assassin’s Order"
• Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag (2013) Official Website – "Nizari Ismaili: The Forgotten Order"