The Prophet Would Fasten His Lower Waist Wrapper

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Chapter 39: Virtues of the Last Ten Days of Ramadhaan
Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 142-149)

The scholars differed as to what this means, some said it means that he strives even harder to worship. However, the correct opinion from the scholars is that it means he abstains himself from having sexual intercourse. This is the opinion of many of the leaders from the Salaf, including Sufyaan ath-Thawree.

There is also a clear Hadeeth that has been narrated on the authority of ‘Aaishah and Anas [May Allaah be Pleased with them] who said that the fastening of the waist wrapper means he [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] wouldn’t rest on his bed until Ramadhaan had gone.

In the Hadeeth of Anas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] it is mentioned that he [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] would not sleep in his bed and he would abstain from going to his wives.

Added to this, the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] would spend time in I’tikaaf in the Masjid during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and it is known that the one who is in I’tikaaf can’t have relations with his wife, there is textual proof for this and there is also scholarly consensus on this point. Some of the Salaf mentioned this to be the Tafseer of the Aayah:

“…So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you (offspring)…” [al-Baqarah 2:187]

That this refers to the Laylat al-Qadr. Meaning, Allaah, the Most High, as made is permissible for you to have relations with your wife during the night in Ramadhaan but when the last ten nights of Ramadhaan come you should leave relations with your wife and seek Laylat al-Qadr in praying during the night. They took this understanding from the practices of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] as he would spend the first twenty nights of Ramadhaan with his family but the last ten nights would be spend in seeking Laylat al-Qadr to the extent that his dinner would be made his breakfast.