Ibn ‘Abbas said that God’s messenger came to Medina and found the Jews observing the fast on the day of ‘Ashura’, so he asked them what was the significance of that day which they were observing and they replied, “It is a great day on which God delivered Moses and his people and drowned Pharaoh and his people; so Moses observed it as a fast out of gratitude, and we do so also.” He said, “We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have,” so God’s messenger observed it as a fast himself and gave orders that it should be observed.
The tradition of Abu Huraira, “No days are dearer to God”, has been mentioned in the chapter on the sacrifices.*
*Reference to the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah.
Umm Salama said that God's messenger used to fast on Saturdays and Sundays more than on other days, and he used to say, “They are days of festival for the polytheists, and I like to act contrary to them.”
‘Amir b. Mas'ud reported God’s messenger as saying, “Fasting in winter is booty gained without trouble.”*
*Literally, 'the cold booty.' The idea is that in winter one does not suffer from hunger and thirst as in summer.
Ahmad and Tirmidhi transmitted it, the latter saying this is a mursal tradition.
