Kasr El-Aini was not a hospital or a bimaristan when it was first built. It was originally a palace, erected as a residence for its founder. It later became a hotel, where kings and princes were received during the big official receptions given by the Mamelukes. Finally, under the French occupation of Egypt, this palace was transformed into a military hospital. There were two documents found in the library of Ahmed Teymour Pasha pertaining to the history of El-Aini.
First Biography of El-Aini:
Excerpt from the Book entitled «El-Sanaa El-Baaher Bitakil EI-Nour El-Safer Fi Akhabr El-Qarn Aasher» (supplement to the the Book entitled «Dazzling Enlightenment in the Tenth Century» , (16th Century) by Mohamed El-Chibi EI-Yamam
«In 908 (1502), Ahmed Abd EI-Rahime Ebn Mahmoud Ebn Ahmed Chehab Ebn El-Zein Ebn El-Badr of Ainite descendance died. He was born in the year 848 (1444) in Cairo at his grandfather's School, and was a favorite of Khochqadam who gave him many honors and gave him the title off «Commander of Thousands». In addition to his wealth he possessed many superior spiritual and moral qualities. He was amiable, affable, and noble, and hosted the meeting of the scholars of the Majlis El-Hadith (traditions) during three months of the
year. He approached each according to his standard. When El-Achraf ascended the throne, he confiscated a large portion of his property but, later restored it to him. In (1494), El-Aini went on a pilgrimage with great pomp and distributed money to all the inhabitants of Mecca, especially to those who occupied high offices. On his return to Cairo, he remained for a while, and then left to Mecca where he made his headquarters the Moudjahidiah School in the precincts of the Holy Mosque. He also built another school and provided for it from the income of the houses he
had bought in Mecca. In this school, courses of Sufism were taught under the sponsorship off Qadi EI-Djodah El-Djamal Aboud Seoud Ebn Zahira. Later, he endured six months of suffering during the Mecca revolution; his house was looted and his wealth confiscated. He then left to «Theiba El-Mounawara»
(Medina) where he lived the rest of his days and died. May God's Mercy be upon him and upon us all».
Second Biography of El-Aini:
Excerpt frpm the Book «Ei-Doua El-Lamee liahl El-Qarn El-Tacea (Revealing light upon the 9th Century) (15th Century), by El-Sakhaoui.
«Ahmed Ebn Abd El-Rahime Ebn Mahmoud Ebn Ahmed El Chehab Ebn EI-Zein, son of our master El-Badr of Ainite origin who settled in Cairo and adopted the Hanafit sect, was born circa 850. During his father's lifetime, he was raised in the Court of Prince Khochqadam for he was his student. When Khochqadam ascended the throne, he conferred upon El-Aini the title of «Commander of Tens», gave him large estates, and made him live in the Citadel, on the mountain, in the fashion of the sons of Kings.
«The titles that had to be cited when addressing El-Aini were the following : «El-Maqam El-Chebai Sibth El-Maqam El-Sherif». Later, the Sultan bestowed upon him further honors and named him «Commander of Thousands» in Egypt. Since then, El-Aini acquired vast power in Egypt : no employee could be appointed, or dismissed, without his consent. Despite the position he occupied, El-Aini had an amiable character, a sweet voice, a brilliant mind and good sense. His bounty, however,
worthy of Kings and Mamelukes made itself particularly apparent in 868 when he went on a pilgrimage with his grandmother Khaound El-Koubra (the Grand Sultana). His charity was extensive and he hosted the meetings of the Council of Tradition (Medjlis El-Hadith) during three months of his stay. All dignitaries has to attend these meetings either voluntarily, or out of fear. He then distributed bags of money or gifts.
As I was among those who gave several lectures, I received donations that filled me with satisfaction. El-Aini introduced courses of science, Sufism as well as other subjects in the school of his grandfather. Among the professors who taught in that School, were El-Chihmi, El-Aqserai, El-Hisni, El-Aibadi and many others. In El-Aini's presence, they had to observe each other's ranks. El-Aibadi, for example, wanted to precede EI-Chihni but El-Aini prevented him by taking him by the hand and placing him in the rear. When El-Taqi
El-Qalcachand did not allow Abou-Fadl El-Nouri, Preacher of Mecca, to sit before him, El-Aini reprimanded him and requested him to leave.
Under EI-Zaher, El-Aini became the Amirakhour (Master of Horse). However, on EI-Achraf's accession to power, he was thrown out of favor and was subjected to harsh humiliations. Later, the Sultan forgave him, and on the occasion of the circumcision of his childern, he restored to him part of his confiscated property and gave him a sum of money to enable him to re-build his grandfather's house situated next to the School. He even went to the point of expelling the Chafeite and Malekite Judges for having refused to carry out their
obligations towards El-Aini. However, owing to his sincerity and noble decadence, El-Aini, henceforth, was to enjoy the Sultan's favor to the extent that he never was to refuse him anything.
In 891, he proceeded to complete the building of a house situated before his grandfather's school which he was to give his son Mohammed, who was to marry the daughter of Prince Lachine, the Council Prince.
The latter owned a large place m Azbakia where the destitute of the city and all travelers found refuge at all times. El-Aini, however, renounced the idea of completing the house he was building upon the Sultan's advice since he considered it too costly. He continued to live in luxury for a certain time, and then left to Mecca where he lived permanently, exchanging part of his property for the Moudjahidieh School.