Ali Imam hails from the historically and academically significant Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. He was born on December 20, 1947, in the village of Masiyan. His father was Syed Abdul Wahid ibn Mir Farzand Ali, and his mother was Bibi Rasool Bandi bint Mir Anwar Hussain. His ancestors were associated with Masiyan Band Palak in Nalanda, though he was raised in the historic town of Dasna (Asthawan Block) within the same district. Later, he established permanent residence in the Badi Dargah area of Bihar Sharif and currently resides in Daryapur, Sabzi Bagh, Patna.

Ali Imam's marital life has been equally meaningful. He married Saeeda Firdousi, daughter of Syed Shah Nooruddin Ahmad Firdousi (Sajjada Nashin of Munir Sharif), from a respected Syed family. They have three children: a son, Yasir Ali Wahid, and two daughters, Sarah Ali Imam and Saadia Ali Imam.

He received his early education at home under the supervision of his parents, a common practice among educated families of that era. Subsequently, he pursued higher education, earning degrees in B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed., M.A. (Sociology), and a Ph.D. in Social Sciences. After completing his studies, he began his professional career as a science teacher at Insaan School. He later served as Assistant Director at the State Resource Centre for Adult Education (Bihar) and was appointed Principal of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in Patna. Recognizing his educational contributions and experience, he was selected to represent the Government of India in the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

In addition to his educational endeavors, Ali Imam has made significant contributions to the literary world. He has edited both Urdu and Hindi magazines, including the Hindi publications "Sah-Patri" and "Sampark." His services earned him membership in the Bihar Urdu Advisory Board and a key role in the educational department of the Bihar Urdu Academy.

Literarily, Ali Imam is recognized as a serious short story writer. His literary journey commenced in 1968 when his first story, "Paraye Kamre Mein Tanha Aadmi" ("A Man Alone in a Stranger's Room"), was published in the magazine "Sad Aahang," under the auspices of the Patna-based literary organization "Bazm-e-Khalil." At that time, he collaborated with renowned writers like Rizwan Ahmad, Ubaid Qamar, and Shaukat Hayat.

His notable literary works include:

"Nahin" (1985)

"Mat Bhed" (1995)

"Haan, Main Yahan Hoon" (2018)

Novel: "Naye Dhaan Ka Rang" (2023)