Begum Imtiaz Ali Hijab: Soaring Beyond Boundaries as a Literary Luminary and Pioneering Muslim Woman Pilot

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 23 July 2025 Begum Imtiaz Ali Hijab (1908–1999), a trailblazing Urdu writer and feminist, broke societal barriers as the first Muslim woman pilot of undivided India in 1936. Her romantic novels and editorship of “Tahzeeb-e-Niswan” championed women’s rights, leaving a lasting legacy in literature and aviation. Main Points: 1. Begum Imtiaz Ali Hijab (1908–1999), pioneering Urdu writer. 2. First Muslim woman pilot of undivided India (1936). 3. Edited “Tahzeeb-e-Niswan” advocating women’s rights. 4. Authored romantic novels like “Meri Nakam Mohabbat”. 5. Broke societal norms, inspired women. ----- It is the misfortune of Muslim women that in the name of their security and sometimes in the name of Islamic law, attempts have been made to limit their social role to only household responsibilities. The irony is that Muslim women have accepted this as their destiny, while the reality is that Islam has fully accepted women in their social role and has also given them equal rights. Some people with fanatic and extremist ideology tried their best to stop women from progressing but in every era, like a ray of sun, some woman came forward and broke all the restrictions and succeeded in inscribing her name in the history. In this series, another name was added "Begum Imtiaz Ali Hijab". Begum Imtiaz Ali "Hijab" was born on 4 November 1908 in Hyderabad, Deccan, (presently Telangana). Her father Syed Mohammed Ismail was the first secretary of the Deccan State, her mother was Abbasi Begum, a famous writer of her time. Her family was counted among the elite families. Begum Imtiaz was taught Urdu, Arabic and music. Begum Imtiaz's mother was herself a writer, so it was natural for her to have these qualities. Begum Imtiaz Ali started writing at a very young age. Her first novel "Meri Nakam Mohabbat" which she wrote at the age of only 12 is considered an excellent novel of romantic style. Initially, she started writing under the name of "Hijab Ismail". "Hijab" was her pen name. Her articles were published in a women's magazine called "Tahzeeb-e-Niswan". Later, she was also seen as the editor of the same magazine. Begum Imtiaz Ali wrote many famous literary works. In her work named " Pagal Khana" she expressed serious apprehension and concern about the growing technology and the nuclear dangers associated with it. Pagal Khana is an example of her dedication and foresight towards the society. In 1930, Begum Hijab married Imtiaz Ali Taj. Her husband Imtiaz Ali Taj himself was a famous writer and journalist. Taj's most famous work is the play "Anarkali" based on the life of Anarkali. He gained a lot of fame from this play. In Urdu literature, Begum Imtiaz Ali Hijab holds the position of a romantic writer. Her stories and novels are written in a very romantic style, prominent among which are "Andhi Mohabbat, Sanobar Ke Saaye, Mohabbat Ya Halaaqat, Meri Na Tamam Mohabbat, Janaza, Mami Khana Mein Ek Raat, Bimaar E Gham and Yaad E Raftagan. Begum Hijab had enriched Urdu literature with her unmatched masterpieces. Her novels hold a special and unique place in Urdu literature. When Begum Hijab became the editor of Tahzeeb-e-Niswan, she used to prominently raise the issues related to women, she used to prominently raise the issues related to women's rights and their status. Begum Imtiaz Ali Hijab's in-laws were feminist and modern thinking family, her mother-in-law Mohammadi Begum was a feminist writer and her father-in-law was Mumtaz Ali. Mumtaz Ali wrote a book named "Hukuq-e-Niswan" in which Mumtaz Ali openly expressed her views on women's rights. It is said that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan tore her work only because he found it too feminist. Begum Hijab's modern-minded in-laws always encouraged her to move forward, and as a result of their encouragement, another achievement was added to Begum Hijab's name. First Muslim Woman Pilot Of Undivided India Begum Hijab learned the nuances of flying in a flying school in Lahore during British rule in 1936 and very soon Begum Hijab completed her training and obtained a pilot's license. Her success increases even more because in those times when numerous restrictions were imposed on women, even talking about women's rights was considered a crime, progressive women were not given due respect in society, the duties of women were limited to homes. At that time, Begum Hijab started a new trend in many ways by achieving this feat. Begum Hijab also became a source of inspiration for many women. When the partition of India took place in 1947, Begum Hijab was in Lahore and she passed away on 19 March 1999. Begum Hijab was not only a unique writer but also a courageous woman who broke the shackles of society and achieved a special place in history by flying high in the sky. ----- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession. She primarily writes about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/begum-imtiaz-hijab-literary-luminary-woman-pilot/d/136257 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism