Assassin

Assassin is someone who murders an important personality in surprise attack. The motive of an assassin is political and religious.

The Assassins is also a historical term for the Nizari branch of Ismaili Muslims at the time of Crusades during 11th, 12th, and the 13th centuries. They were militant fanatics, who used to consume hashish before going on murder missions. In Arabic they were called hasisi ie hashish eater, from which they derived their name. A member of this sect is also called Assassin. This sect ruled part of norther Persia from 1094 to 1256.