With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (ﷺ) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.
Virtues of the Night of Qadr - Sahih al-Bukhari 2024
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari describes the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) intensified devotion during the last ten nights of Ramadan. The phrase "tighten his waist belt" (shaqqa al-izār) signifies preparing for strenuous effort and dedication to worship, abandoning worldly comforts.
Spiritual Interpretation
The Prophet's all-night prayers demonstrate the supreme importance of seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months of worship. His personal example establishes the sunnah of i'tikāf (spiritual retreat) during these blessed nights.
Awakening his family reflects the Islamic principle that spiritual excellence should encompass one's entire household. This collective worship transforms homes into places of devotion and maximizes the blessings of these precious nights.
Practical Application
Muslims should increase Quran recitation, night prayers (tahajjud), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and sincere du'ā (supplication) during these nights. The Prophet's example teaches us to create an environment conducive to worship for ourselves and our families.
Scholars recommend seeking Laylat al-Qadr particularly on the odd-numbered nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th) of Ramadan, with special emphasis on the 27th night based on numerous prophetic traditions.