And ‘Ā’ishah said: “He did not mind which days of the month he fasted.” This was recorded by Muslim (1). There is no contradiction between these reports.
As for fasting during the first ten days of Dhū al-Hijjah, the reports concerning the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) differ. ‘Ā’ishah said: “I never saw him fasting during those ten days.” This was recorded by Muslim (2).
Hafsah said: “There were four things the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) never omitted: fasting on ‘Āshūrā’, during the first ten days of Dhū al-Hijjah, and on three days of every month, and praying two units before the dawn prayer.” This was recorded by Imam Ahmad (3).
Ahmad (4) also recorded, from one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), that he would fast the first nine days of Dhū al-Hijjah, the day (5) of ‘Āshūrā’, and three days of the month (6): the first Monday of the month and Thursday. Another wording reads: “and two Thursdays.” An affirmative report takes precedence over a negative one, provided it is authentic.