Hover or tap to see the back cover
Footprints of Light
Tarbiyah in the Teachings of Shaykh Ali Safaei Haeri
by Sayed Abdolreza Hashemi Arsanjani
Translated by The Rushd Project
$33 AUD
Available as: Paperback
Available soon — please check back.
About this book
Some books explain Islam.
Others change the way you live it.
Footprints of Light is one of those rare books.
Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei has described Shaykh Ali Safaei Haeri as an innovative thinker whose intellectual and educational works are of enduring value.
For decades, the writings of Shaykh Ali Safaei Haeri have inspired scholars, students, and seekers throughout the Muslim world. His books challenged minds, nurtured souls, and introduced an entirely different way of understanding Islam—not merely as a collection of beliefs, but as a path of human development.
Yet one question remained unanswered:
What did this remarkable educator actually look like in everyday life?
This book answers that question.
Through deeply personal memories from those who knew him best, Footprints of Light reveals the living embodiment of his teachings. Every chapter presents a real encounter, the author struggling with doubt, loneliness, addiction, pride, confusion, broken relationships, despair, and purpose, followed by Shaykh Safaei's astonishing ability to guide them with wisdom, patience and profound insight.
This is a practical handbook on Islamic mentorship (tarbiyah), showing how one of the modern Muslim world's greatest educators nurtured hearts before correcting actions, transformed perspectives before changing behaviour, and built lasting faith rather than temporary enthusiasm.
Structured around his own educational methodology—from recognising a person's condition, to friendship, attraction, preparation and finally nurturing—the book allows readers to witness Islamic tarbiyah in action rather than merely reading theoretical discussions.
Whether you are
• a parent
• a teacher
• a community leader
• a youth worker
• someone searching for meaning
• or simply someone longing to become a better Muslim,
you will find yourself somewhere within these pages.
Praise
"Some books teach ideas; a very small number teach you how to nurture people. Footprints of Light belongs firmly in the latter category. Through beautifully told true stories, it reveals the remarkable educational method of Shaykh Ali Safaei Haeri as lived reality. Every chapter offers profound lessons for parents, teachers, community leaders, and anyone entrusted with guiding others. I finished the book inspired not only to admire the Shaykh, but to become a better mentor myself."
"Profound, inspiring, and deeply practical, Footprints of Light offers far more than a glimpse into the life of Shaykh Ali Safaei Haeri—it reveals the timeless principles that enabled him to transform hearts, nurture character, and awaken purpose in those around him. Through a compelling collection of true stories, readers are invited to witness Islamic tarbiyah in its most authentic form. Whether you are a parent, teacher, student, or simply someone striving to become a better servant of Allah, this book will leave you challenged, encouraged, and quietly transformed."
"The late Safaei Haeri was an innovative thinker, a profound intellectual, and a man of original ideas"
Look Inside
Flip through the opening pages — front matter, table of contents, and the start of the book.