52:26
QURANHIVE

قَالُوا إِنَّا كُنَّا قَبْلُ فِي أَهْلِنَا مُشْفِقِينَ

“They will say: We used to be back then amongst our families in a state of fear”.

Focus: the expression مُشْفِقِينَ (Mushfiqeen)

Language points and insights

Key term: مُشْفِقِينَ (Mushfiqeen)

Comes from: أَشْفَقَ – إِشْفَاق (Asfaqa – Ishfaaq)
Carries the meaning of being fearful from the perspective of worry and concern.
Connected to vigilance and being on one’s guard.
A fear arising from concern for loved ones mixed with compassion and tenderness.
worry + concern vigilant fear for loved ones compassion & tenderness

Concept facets of “Ishfaaq” in this context

Concern for loved ones
The fear springs from care for family.
Vigilance
Being on one’s guard; watchful care.
Worry-driven fear
Fear viewed through the lens of concern.
Compassion & tenderness
The emotional tone mixed into the fear.

Contextual framing in the verse

“We used to be back then amongst our families in a state of fear.”

The setting “amongst our families” anchors the feeling as protective and caring.

Etymological note

مُشْفِقِينَ is linked to أَشْفَقَ – إِشْفَاق (Asfaqa – Ishfaaq).

fear through concern watchfulness care for family tender-hearted
Ayah 26