Saleh Charitable Clinic
Saleh Charitable Clinic
Sufi Order of the Nematollahi Soltan Ali Shahi Gonabadi Dervishes
The final charitable initiative of Hazrat Reza Ali Shah—may his soul be blessed—was the establishment of the Saleh Charitable Clinic. For a long time, His Holiness had contemplated founding a clinic and frequently mentioned the idea. Thus, on Friday, June 15, 1984 (mid-Ramadan 1404 AH), he invited a group of brethren and, in their presence, shared his heartfelt intention to establish a charitable clinic. In the same session, he named the clinic “Saleh” after his noble father, Hazrat Salih Ali Shah—may his soul be blessed. He also addressed a letter to the Ministry of Health requesting permission to establish the clinic.
On December 20, 1986, he sent another letter to the Ministry of Health, again requesting the clinic’s establishment permit. The authorities asked for clarification on how the clinic’s expenses would be covered. In a letter dated February 21, 1988, His Holiness wrote: “I, the humble servant, will bear all the expenses, and there will be no burden on the Ministry.”
On May 22, 1988, His Holiness officially introduced his appointed Board of Trustees to the Ministry of Health. On December 4, 1988, official authorization was granted to establish the Saleh Charitable Clinic. The first consultative meeting between His Holiness and the Board of Trustees took place on December 14, 1988, during which it was agreed that the clinic would temporarily begin operations in a rented location southwest of the Amir Soleymani Husayniyya. A donation was designated to cover expenses, and land was allocated for the construction of the main clinic building, to be reported to the Ministry of Health. A letter to that effect was sent on December 22, 1988.
On March 6, 1989 (27th of Rajab, 1409 AH), coinciding with the anniversary of the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission, the founder himself, accompanied by distinguished individuals and various groups, inaugurated the temporary clinic building. On July 5, 1989, a property located on Karim Khan Zand Street in Tehran was purchased and later, on November 21 of the same year, endowed by His Holiness to help fund the clinic.
On June 14, 1990, responding to a request from the Board of Trustees, His Holiness visited the 1,248-square-meter plot adjacent to the Amir Soleymani Husayniyya designated for the main clinic and laid the first cornerstone for the new construction. He also signed the official construction logbook.
Since the clinic’s founding, charitable and benevolent individuals eager to contribute to this good cause have either informed the Board of Trustees or personally approached His Holiness, who would reply: “Anyone who wishes, with honor and sincerity, to help—there is no objection.”
On June 22, 1992 (20th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1412 AH), during a visit to inspect the clinic’s construction progress, His Holiness honored the staff and signed the construction log once again.
The four-story clinic building, with a total area of 1,378 square meters, was completed in 1992 (3rd of Safar, 1413 AH) and made ready for use. On that day, His Holiness visited the clinic again and, in a written note, expressed his satisfaction with all those who helped bring this project to fruition. Since it coincided with the mourning days of the Fifth of the People of the Cloak (AS), he decreed that the clinic should begin its operations in the new building on September 14, 1992, aligning with the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal—the birthdays of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (AS). Unfortunately, with deep sorrow and regret, His Holiness passed away on September 9, 1992 (11th of Rabi al-Awwal, 1413 AH). Nevertheless, in accordance with his instructions, the clinic was transferred to its permanent building on the appointed date and began operations.
The official inauguration of the clinic took place on January 5, 1993 (13th of Rajab, 1413 AH), coinciding with the blessed birthday of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). The ceremony was held in the presence of his appointed successor, Hazrat Haj Ali Tabandeh, Mahboub Ali Shah, along with distinguished guests and members of the community. The clinic began operations with departments for internal medicine, cardiology, pediatrics, dentistry, gynecology and midwifery, injections and wound care, and vaccinations. Subsequently, departments for ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, laboratory, ultrasound, orthopedics, and orthodontics were added. Operating in two shifts, the clinic provides all services free of charge to all members of society, particularly those in need.