Muhammadi Begum was a writer and the editor of Tehzeeb-e-Niswan, the first Urdu weekly for women in India. She was among the earliest pioneers of women’s education and awareness. She was the daughter of Syed Ahmad Shafi of Delhi, who served as an Extra Assistant Commissioner. Her parents were progressive-minded and, even in a highly conservative era, ensured that their talented daughter received proper education and cultural refinement. From an early age, Muhammadi Begum possessed a noble temperament, excellent manners, sharp intellect, and a strong memory. She became skilled at reading, writing, sewing, and cooking at a very young age.

She was married at the age of 19 to Maulvi Syed Mumtaz Ali, a strong advocate of women’s education. He established the Rafah-e-Aam Press and Dar-ul-Ishaat Punjab in Lahore and was awarded the title “Shams-ul-Ulama.” Muhammadi Begum lovingly cared for the children from his first marriage, offering them genuine maternal affection and attention. She managed the household entirely and actively supported her husband when he initiated a movement for women’s awareness.

Recognizing her abilities, Mumtaz Ali decided to launch a newspaper for women from Lahore and arranged for her further education. Several tutors were appointed for her—an Englishwoman taught her English, a Hindu lady taught her Hindi, a boy taught her mathematics, and Mumtaz Ali himself taught her Arabic and Persian on alternate days. In this way, she became fully capable of editing a women’s newspaper.

In 1898, Mumtaz Ali launched Tehzeeb-e-Niswan under her editorship. Muhammadi Begum authored numerous books aimed at the education and moral upbringing of girls. For her only son, Imtiaz Ali Taj, she wrote Taj Geet (children’s poems) and Imtiaz Pachisi (stories) during his childhood, which became widely popular. Her other works include Khanadari, Adab-e-Mulaqat, Nemat Khana, Rafiq-e-Aroos, Khwab-e-Rahat, Hayat-e-Ashraf, Sughar Beti, Sharif Beti, Chandan Haar, Aaj Kal, Safiya Begum, Sachche Moti, Anmol Moti, Aarsi, Taj Phool, and others.