This article examines the significance of the word “Ḥayawān” in Surah al-Ankabut 29:64, where the Quran contrasts this worldly existence with the eternal reality of the Hereafter. Through linguistic analysis, syntactic examination, and classical exegesis, the paper explores three primary meanings of the term: “abode”, “living being”, and “life itself” in its most dynamic sense. The study demonstrates how each meaning contributes to the Āyah’s powerful hyperbolic assertion about the true nature of existence, and explores why this specific word was chosen over its more common synonym “ḥayāt”. By examining the semantic nuances through classical Arabic lexicographical sources and comparing various scholarly translations, the research reveals the depth of Quranic eloquence and the challenges inherent in conveying its multidimensional meaning across linguistic boundaries. The analysis ultimately argues that the three meanings of “Ḥayawān” work collectively to create a comprehensive understanding of the Hereafter as the quintessence of vibrant, everlasting life, in stark contrast to the fleeting triviality of worldly existence.
