What is the reference for this?
اختار الله عز وجل البلاد، فأحب البلدان إلى الله عز وجل البلد الحرام، واختار الله الزمان فأحب الزمان إلى الله الأشهر الحرم، وأحب الأشهر إلى الله ذو الحجة، وأحب ذي الحجة إلى الله تعالى العشر الأول منه
Answer
Imams Abu Nu’aym and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this as the statement of Ka’b Al Ahbar.
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 6 pg. 15 and Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 3465. Also see Lataiful ma’arif, pg.467)
Translation
Allah Ta’ala has chosen towns, the most beloved place/town to Allah is the Holy Land [Makkah Mukarramah]. Allah has selected/chosen time and the most beloved period to Allah are the four sacred months. Dhul Hijjah is the most beloved month in the sight of Allah and the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are even more beloved.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar