Ibn Majah

Benefits and Issues:
(1)
Our esteemed researcher has declared the mentioned narration weak in its chain of transmission. Furthermore, he has stated that the narration of Sunan al-Nasa’i (3171) suffices in this regard. Also, a narration of similar meaning is reported in Musnad Ahmad, which, after detailed discussion, the researchers of (al-Mawsu‘ah al-Hadithiyyah) have graded as hasan. Its wording is as follows:
(Harsu laylatin fi sabilillah afdalu min alfi laylatin yuqamu layluha wa yusamu naharuha)
From the detailed discussion of the researchers, the opinion of the hadith being hasan appears to be closer to correctness; therefore, despite the mentioned narration being weak in its chain, the virtue mentioned in the hadith is authentic. And Allah knows best. For further details, see: (al-Mawsu‘ah al-Hadithiyyah, Musnad al-Imam Ahmad: 1/488/489)

(2)
Initially, ‘Uthman radi Allahu anhu hesitated to narrate this hadith because, upon hearing it, even the senior Companions radi Allahu anhum would set out for jihad. Whereas the Commander of the Faithful needed their presence in Madinah al-Munawwarah for consultation in important matters.

(3)
Later, ‘Uthman radi Allahu anhu narrated this hadith because it is not appropriate to prevent someone who wishes to attain lofty ranks by performing a righteous deed (such as this great act of jihad) from doing so.

(4)
Fasting takes place during the day; therefore, the meaning of the hadith is that spending each night in a state of readiness to confront the enemy at the frontlines carries a reward equal to that of a thousand days of fasting and a thousand nights of standing in prayer.