Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that the people of the Days of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah) used to fast on the day of Ashura. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also fasted on it, and so did the Muslims, before Ramadan. When Ramadan was made obligatory, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Ashura is one of the days of Allah; whoever wishes may fast on it, and whoever wishes may not."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الصيام / 8412