What is the meaning of being steadfast?

“Be steadfast” meaning, on the path. “Al-Qurrāʾ” meaning scholars and students of ʿIlm (Islamic knowledge). Be steadfast on the religion of Allâh, for if the ʿAbd (worshiper) becomes steadfast, then he has excelled/succeeded greatly. And if he swerves right and left, then he has gone far astray. So, what’s obligatory is holding on to what Allāh ﷻ has made lawful and being careful from what He has dispraised (i.e., made unlawful). “Or have they partners with Allâh (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allâh has not ordained?” [Shura 42:21]. So, be on the path, even if sparingly, or by being with righteous people sparingly. This is better than taking a diverted path away from guidance, because it misguides and pushes one away from Allāh ﷻ. In fact, a person upon guidance, even if he wrongs himself with some sins, is on the path of salvation. However, the one who treads upon [a path] other than Islam and desires [to bring] into Islam the Sunnah (ways) of Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic period), he is upon a destructive path, and we ask Allâh for protection.