(227) Chapter: The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of 'Arafah, 'Ashura' and Tasu'a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram."

[Muslim].

Commentary: Some people think these words stand to mean that `he will observe Saum on the 9th of Muharram only. But this interpretation does not agree with other Ahadith. In order to oppose the Jews, he (PBUH) resolved to observe one more Saum with that of 10th of Muharram and ordained it for the Muslims. In this connection, we have quoted above the authority from Musnad Ahmad. Hence, the meanings we have given in the translation of the text are correct.