It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Qatadah Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man asked the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about the ruling of fasting on the Day of Arafah. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: I hope from Allah that it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. The questioner then asked about the ruling of fasting on the Day of Ashura, so he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: I hope from Allah that it expiates the sins of the previous year.