and this suggests that because [some of] the People of the Book say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days,”(2:80) and [others of them] deny bodily pleasures, the hereafter will be metaphorical for them and only in name; what they will experience will not be the true hereafter.
The use of the definite article “al” is to express its known nature. That is, it indicates that [the hereafter] is well-known by reason of its constant mention by the revealed scriptures. Its being well-known is also a hint that it is true, and a sign that in consequence of the proofs based on the nature of things mentioned above it is a fact almost visible to the mind. Its being well-known is therefore a sign that it is a reality. And the use of the term “the hereafter (al-ākhira),” that is, making it an adjective qualifying creation (al-nā‘ita li’l-nasha’), is to direct attention towards the first creation, so that the mind will grasp the possibility of the second.
The personal pronoun “they (hum)” infers restriction, and this suggests that the belief of those People of the Book who do not believe in Muhammad (Upon whom be blessings and peace) is not certain belief. Indeed, it is only a supposition which they suppose is certain.
“Have certain belief in (yūqinūn)” is used instead of ‘they believe’ (yu’minūn), although belief is certain affirmation, in order to intentionally point the finger at the objective so to dispel any doubts. For the resurrection of the dead is a thronging mass of doubts [and complete certainty (yaqīn) concerning it is more important than affirmation (taṣdīq) of it]. Also this definite statement blocks up the path of such excuses of the People of the Book as “We’re believers anyway, so let those who don’t believe, believe.”