The best number of companions is four; the best detachment is (that made up of) four hundred; and the best army is (that made up of) four thousand; and an army of twelve thousand will never be defeated because of their small numbers

Explanation: The best companionship is that made up of four persons; and the best detachment consists of four hundred soldiers; and the most helpful soldiers are those that have reached four thousand. If an army reaches twelve thousand soldiers, it will not be defeated. If it is defeated, then it will not be due to its small number; rather it might be defeated for some other reasons, such as lack of religious commitment, feeling proud of their large number, committing sins, absence of sincerity to Allah, etc.

- رياض الصالحين من كلام سيد المرسلين، للإمام أبي زكريا النووي، تحقيق د. ماهر الفحل، دار ابن كثير- دمشق، الطبعة الأولى، 1428ه. - بهجة الناظرين شرح رياض الصالحين، تأليف سليم الهلالي، دار ابن الجوزي - الطبعة الأولى، 1418ه. - نزهة المتقين شرح رياض الصالحين، تأليف د. مصطفى الخِن وغيره، مؤسسة الرسالة - بيروت، الطبعة الرابعة عشر، 1407هـ. - سنن أبي داود، لأبي داود السجستاني، تحقيق محمد محيي الدين عبد الحميد، المكتبة العصرية.