What is the virtue of working during the last ten days of Ramadan, and is there any evidence for this in the Sunnah?

The virtue of striving hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadan (definition) is immense due to the presence of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) within them, which is better than a thousand months. The Sunnah (definition) has indicated the legitimacy of this, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "when the last ten days began, would tighten his waist-wrapper, stay awake the whole night, and awaken his family." And he "would strive hard during the last ten days more than he would strive at any other time." This striving in worship is recommended by the consensus of the jurists.