In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded us to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Qatadah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied: “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” (Muslim)
Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.” (Muslim)
1. These days of fasting are voluntary however encouraged and desirable (mustahabb).
2. This year the 9th day of Muharram is Monday 10th of October 2016, insha Allah.
3. This year the 10th day of Muharram is Tuesday 11th of October 2016, insha Allah.
Commentary: ‘Ashura 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet (SAWS) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, the Prophet (SAWS) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, the Prophet (SAWS) also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS) and some instead observe baseless practices of mourning assemblies.
SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him
Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1251
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1252
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1253