Ibn ‘Abbas reported the Prophet as saying, "The best number of companions is four, the best number in expeditions four hundred, and the best number in armies four thousand; and twelve thousand will not be overcome through smallness of numbers."
Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Darimi transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a gharib tradition.
Jabir told that God’s Messenger used to keep to the rear when traveling and urge on the weak. He would take someone up behind him and would make supplication for them all.
‘Amr b. Shu'aib, on his father’s authority, told that his grandfather reported God's Messenger as saying, "A single rider is a devil and a pair of riders are a pair of devils, but three are a company of riders.”
Malik, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Nasa’i transmitted it.
