He was born on April 6, 1849 to Syed Saadat Ali of Unao, Oudh, of a family originally from Persia descendant of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Allah's Peace and Blessings on him) through Imam Ali-ar-Raza, of Mashad. He was educated at Hughli College from where he did his M.A. and B.L. He was called to the bar at the Inner Temple in 1873, and, though practiced in the High Court, Calcutta. He remained Fellow of the Calcutta University in 1874. He served as Magistrate and Chief Magistrate in Calcutta during 1878-81. He lectured on Muhammadan Law between 1875-9 and become Member of the Bengal Legislative Council during 1878-83 and of the Governor-General's Legislative Council in 1883-5. He became Tagore Law in Professor 1884. He worked as Puisne Judge of the Calcutta High Court, 1890-1904. He was founder of the Central National Muhammadan Association, and worked as its Secretary during 1876-90. He was a strong advocate of English education and of the education of Indian women. He was very influential among the Muslims in Bengal. He was President, London Branch of the All-India Muslim League in 1908 and worked hard for separate electorates for the Muslims and take active part in the Khilafat Movement. After retirement, he settled down in England and breathed his last in the same country. He wrote Critical Examination of the Life and Teachings of Muhammad (PBUH), The Spirit of Islam; The Ethics of Islam; A Short History of the Saracens; Personal Law of the Muhammadans; Student's Handbook of Muhammadan Law; Muhammadan Law. He was joint author of A Commentary on the Indian Evidence Act, and of A Commentary on the Bengal Tenancy Act. He frequently wrote articles in The Nineteenth Century, and wrote letters to the Times, London. His articles have been compiled by Dr. S. Razi Wasti under the title. Memories and other Writings of Syed Ameer Ali; Syed Ameer Ali on Islamic History and Culture. Dr. K. K. Aziz has also done the same job by publishing a book titled: Life and Works of Syed Ameer Ali.