Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates: When the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) arrived in (the blessed city of) Madinah, he found that the Jews were fasting on the day of Ashura. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them: What is the reason for this? They replied: This is a great day in which Allah Almighty granted deliverance to Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) and drowned Pharaoh and his followers, so Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) fasted on this day to thank Allah Almighty. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: We are closer to Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) than you and more deserving of fasting on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted on this day and also ordered fasting on this day.