Career
He gained fame by emulating the late Sheikh Muhammad Rifat. Ali joined the radio in 1946-1947 and entered the music institute to study oud and music theory for four years when he saw the encouragement and success of his reciting. Ali is admired for his use of maqam saba - his voice was considered especially suited to saba.
Ali visited the United Kingdom on several occasions, in particular attending the London Central Mosque during Ramadan.