Defeating Al Mualim
When you first engage in combat mode against him (after fighting the duplicates of Al Mualim) lock on to him by pressing LT Xbox 360 or L2 PlayStation3 . Quickly equip the hidden blade before attacking. Wait for a counter and you will defeat him with the first blow you hit him. Note: This is after you fight Al Mualim when he makes about six duplicates of himself.