Maudud returned to Damascus with Tughtegin early in the Fall of 1113. This turned out to be a fatal decision for Maudud because, while attending prayers at the Grand Mosque with Tughtegin, Maudud was attacked and mortally wounded. The assailant was promptly sought out and executed. However, in the process his identity and association were not revealed. Rumor had it, the assailant belonged to the Nizari sect, a secret Islamic sect that gained power and influence throughout the 12th century through the murder of their enemies*.
The Nizaris gained a strong measure of control over Aleppo during the reign of Ridwan ibn Tutush (of Aleppo), but after Ridwan’s death in 1113, they were driven out of the city (Asbridge, 156). Tughtegin was accused of plotting against Maudud because of his alliance with the Nizaris. Whether he was involved in Maudud’s murder or not is unknown. Regardless, Tughtegin was harassed to the point where he had to choice but to leave Damascus and seek an alliance with Jerusalem.
Tughtegin’s alienation from Damascus gave the Franks the upper hand in strategy. Even so, the near fatal events of 1102 and 1113 taught them never to rush into battle with the Turks. The Muslim threat to the new kingdom was something that could not be stamped out, but it could be held at bay if and only if the Franks remained a unified front. They also adopted a defensive strategy where, confronted by an invading force, they gathered at a defensible location, cautiously patrolled the invaded area, scrutinizing enemy movements and halting enemy advancement while avoiding open battle.
*The Nizaris were a fraction of the Isma’ili branch of Shia Islam, originally from north-eastern Persia. The Nizaris were apparently addicted to Hashish, a potent drug. That’s where the word ‘Assassin’ came from (Asbridge, 156).
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