THE FASTING CHAPTER · 65 – ACCOUNTS REGARDING OBSERVING A FAST ON THE NINTH DAY OF MUHARRAM
Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, related:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when he observed the fast on the tenth of Muharram, commanded us to do so as well. The companions said, “O Messenger of Allah, Jews and Christians also give respect to this day.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "If we live until next year, we will also observe the ninth [day]." But before the following year arrived, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed away.
[Note:] The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, preferred to begin the fast on the ninth of Muharram for the Ashura fast in order to avoid imitating other nations.
Hakem bin al-A’rac narrated: I asked Ibn ‘Abbas while he was reclining against his cloak in the Masjid al-Haram. I inquired of him about observing the fast on the tenth of Muharram. He said, “When you sight the crescent of Muharram, begin fasting on the ninth day.”
I said, "Did Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also observe it in this manner?"
Ibn ‘Abbas said, "Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also observed it in this manner."