(167) Chapter: The Desirability of undertaking a Journey in a Group and appointing a Leader

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best number of companions is four; the best detachment is four hundred and the best army is four thousand; and twelve thousand men will not be defeated as a result of smallness of number." [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]. Commentary: An army of twelve thousand soldiers, if endowed with strong faith and resolve, is enough to face even an army of large size. It cannot be defeated merely on the basis of number. Some other factors accounting for its defeat may not be ruled out, but it will not be overpowered for its small number.