What may be gathered from the ḥadīth:
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The Prophet ﷺ was shown the recompense for the deeds of his community, both great and small—even the reward for removing a single splinter from the mosque.
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It demonstrates that every act, however weighty or insignificant, is recorded and that its doer will be paid in full, as the Almighty says: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it” (Sūrat al-Zalzalah 99:7 – 8).
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The apparent meaning is that the deeds of his community were presented to him on the Night of the Ascension, whereupon he observed their actions and the rewards assigned to them.
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The report underscores the sanctity of the mosques and the legitimacy of honoring them, cleaning them, and perfuming them—just as is related in Musnad Aḥmad (25854) from ʿĀʾishah: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered that the mosques be built, cleaned, and scented.” Venerating mosques is part of venerating the sacred limits set by Allah.
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It points to the great distinction of our Prophet ﷺ: Allah revealed to him some of His signs and allowed him a glimpse into the unseen, thereby increasing his insight and certainty and spurring him on in his mission. Direct vision (ʿayn al-yaqīn, empirical certainty) is firmer than knowledge alone (ʿilm al-yaqīn, theoretical certainty). For this reason Allah said of His close friend Abraham: “My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.” He said, “Do you not believe?” He replied, “Indeed I do, but so that my heart may be at peace” (Sūrat al-Baqarah 2:260). Thus Allah showed him what settled his heart and strengthened his faith.
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The ḥadīth teaches that a Muslim must not belittle any deed—good or bad. He should perform righteous acts, whether large or small, and avoid sins, major or minor, for everything is meticulously recorded in a manifest register.