Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best number of companions is four, the best military expedition is of four hundred men, and the best army is of four thousand. A people who number twelve thousand will not be defeated on account of being few, provided they are truthful and patient."
Imam Abu Dawud recorded this narration, but he did not record these words: "provided they are truthful and patient."
Imam Abu Ya'la recorded this narration. Its chain contains a narrator, Hibban bin Ali, and he is da'if (weak), although he has also been declared trustworthy.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الجهاد / 9675
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ ضعیف
Hadith Takhrij«أخرجه سنن الترمذي برقم: 1555، وأخرجه سنن أبي داود برقم: 2611، وأخرجه مسند أحمد برقم: 2713، وأخرجه سنن الدارمي برقم: 2438، وأخرجه المستدرك على الصحيحين برقم: 2535، وأخرجه إتحاف الخيرة المهرة بزوائد المسانيد العشرة برقم: 4381»
Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub Khalid bin Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever faces the enemy and remains steadfast until he is killed or prevails will not be put to trial in his grave."
Imam al-Tabarani recorded this narration in al-Mu'jam al-Awsat. Its chain contains a narrator, Musaffa bin Buhlul, the father of the narrator Muhammad; I do not know him. The remaining narrators of this narration are thiqat (trustworthy).
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الجهاد / 9676
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ ضعیف
Hadith Takhrij«اخرجه الطبراني فى المعجم الكبير (4094) ، أخرجه المعجم الكبير للطبراني برقم: 4094»