Syed Siraj Hussain, known by his pen name Siraj Azmi, was born in 1928 in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father was Syed Fazl Rab. He completed his higher education with a Bachelor's degree from Aligarh Muslim University.

In 1955, he joined government service and began his professional career in Karachi. Through his dedication and expertise, he progressed in his career and retired in 1988 at Grade 19.

Siraj Azmi married Rajab Al-Fasa Begum in 1947. He was blessed with three sons—Syed Mahmood Siraj, Syed Masood Siraj, Syed Masroor Siraj—and three daughters—Nighat Khawar, Nizbat Faheem, Talat Siraj Ladha.

Siraj Azmi started writing poetry in 1947. He was greatly influenced by Bahar Koi (late) and established a distinguished place for himself in Urdu literature.