Who is this attributed to and please mention the reference?
اختص الله أربعة أشهر جعلهن حرما وعظم حرماتهن وجعل الذنب فيهن أعظم وجعل العمل الصالح والأجر أعظم
Answer
Imam Tabari and Imam Ibn Abi Hatim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
(Tafsir Tabari; Jami’ul Bayan and Tafsir Ibn Abi Hatim, Surah Tawbah, Verse: 36. Also see: Lataiful Ma’arif, pg. 207, Al Maktabul Islami edition)
Translation
Allah Ta’ala offered distinction to four months. He has made them sacred and has increased their sacredness. He has made sinning in them more sinful and good deeds carried out during these months more rewarding.
The four sacred months are Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. See here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar