Anas b. Malik told of God’s messenger saying when Ramadan began, “This month has come to you, and it contains a night which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of it is deprived of all good, but only those who are denied prosperity are deprived of it." Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlights the immense virtue of Ramadan, particularly Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). The phrase "better than a thousand months" signifies that worship performed on this night surpasses worship performed over eighty-three years and four months, demonstrating Allah's boundless mercy.
Spiritual Deprivation
"He who is deprived of it is deprived of all good" indicates that missing the blessings of this night constitutes the greatest spiritual loss. The final clause clarifies that such deprivation befalls only those whom Allah has excluded from divine favor due to their negligence or sins.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical commentators note that the "deprivation" refers to those who remain heedless of this night's significance, failing to engage in prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication. True believers actively seek Laylat al-Qadr during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan as instructed by the Prophet.