Al-Hakam bin al-A'raj relates that he came to Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) in the Sacred Mosque while he was lying with his cloak as a pillow, and he asked him about fasting on the day of Ashura. He said: "When you see the new moon of Muharram, start counting; then when it is the ninth day, wake up fasting." I asked: Is that how Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast? He said: "Yes, that is how Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب العين / 12869