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.