المعنى الاصطلاحي :

Delicateness and softness in the heart because of an advice or love that leads to fearing for others from being afflicted by adversities.

الشرح المختصر :

"Shafaqah" is one of the believers' praiseworthy traits and noble character shown to all of Allah's creation: humans or animals, near or far, Muslim or non-Muslim. It is a sort of fear associated with softness and mercy from someone towards another one. "Shafaqah" includes fearing of oneself to fall into the path of desire and disobedience; fear for one's deeds to become invalid and worthless; and sympathy towards the creation by showing mercy, affection, and care for their salvation. Benefits of "Shafaqah" for the Muslim include: 1. The one possessing this trait is following the Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, in this trait. 2. People showing sympathy towards others are characterized with Allah's mercy for his sympathy towards His creation. 3. It causes one to be loved by Allah, then he will be loved by people. 4.This trait is an important foundation which a united Muslim society should be built upon. 5. It is a representation of good companionship between friends, spouses, and parents with their children. 6. It draws one's attention to the weak members of the society, such as the poor, the needy, the orphans, and the elderly.

التعريف اللغوي المختصر :

Shafaqah": fear from and caution about misfortune, and the one having this characteristic is fearful and cautious. "Shafaqah" is also used to mean concern for reform, and the one who does this is an advisor and reformer. The origin of "shafaqah" is delicateness in something. Other meanings: caution, mercy, affection, and grief.