It has been reported that these two verses were revealed concerning believers who were oppressed, when the arrogant demanded that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, send them away from his company. Allah forbade him to drive away anyone seeking Allah’s Face, even if he was oppressed, and then commanded him to remain patiently with them. This was before the migration to Medina and before the Suffa (shaded platform) existed. Nevertheless, the verse applies to everyone fitting this description, whether among Ahl al-Suffa or others.

The purpose is that he should remain with the pious believers, who are Allah’s friends, even if they are poor and weak. No one gains higher standing with Allah through his authority and wealth, nor through his lowly status and poverty. Rather, one gains higher standing with Him through faith and righteous deeds. Allah therefore forbade His Prophet to obey those possessing authority and wealth who wanted the weak or poor to be sent away. He commanded him not to drive away those among them who sought His Face, but to remain patiently with them in the congregational gatherings in which he was commanded to join them, such as the dawn and afternoon prayers. He was not to obey the dictates of those who were heedless of Allah’s remembrance and followed their own desires.

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As for the purported hadith:

“No group ever gathers without a friend of Allah among them.”

It is a fabrication, found in none of the compendia of Islam. How could it be true, when a group may consist of disbelievers or sinful people who die in that state?