The Meaning of the Hadith: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) entered the last ten days, he would wake his family and tighten his waist sash”

Question:
The Shaykh says: When the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) entered the last ten days, he would wake his family and tighten his waist sash. What is meant by this?

Answer:
He would wake his family (peace and blessings be upon him) for prayer, specifically for the night prayer. This is evidence that it is recommended for the head of the household to wake his family and children so that they may participate in standing in night prayer with the Muslims. As for tightening the waist sash, it was said that its meaning is that he exerted himself; he exerted himself in prayer, supplication, and seeking forgiveness. It was also said that its meaning is that he avoided his family; he avoided intercourse at night. Yes.