He joined Madrasa-e-Ahmadiyya Qadian in 1935, and then joined the Jamia Ahmadiyya in 1944. He obtained the Maulvi Fazil degree from the Punjab University in 1946. 

In 1953, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), Khalifatul Masih II, instructed Maulana Dost Muhammad Shahid to compile the history of Ahmadiyyat. He accomplished this task with great dedication. He is known as Mu'arrakh-e-Ahmadiyyat (Historian of Ahmadiyyat). When Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (rh), Khalifatul Masih III, went to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1974, Maulana Dost Muhammad Shahid was a member of the delegation that accompanied Huzoor (rh). He was an honorary member of the Majlis-e-Shura Pakistan. He also had the honour of delivering many speeches at the Jalsa Salana. He served as a Qadhi as well.

In 1982, he also experienced imprisonment in the way of Allah, for a few days. In 1988, he was again imprisoned in Gujranwala District Jail. In 1990, the judge cancelled his bail and sentenced him to two years imprisonment and 5000 rupees fine. But after some time he was released on bail. During his imprisonment, he continued to deliver dars of the Holy Quran and would preach as well.

In 1992, he was awarded ‘Man of the Year’ by an international institution of Cambridge, UK, ‘International Biographical Centre’. This award is given to scholarly persons.

Maulana Dost Muhammad Shahid passed away on 26 August 2009.