You must use nicotine gum as medication while fasting.
Order, discipline, and respect—what a valuable, practical, and beneficial agenda topic this is, just like all the others. In Congress 60, the concept of treatment is represented by a triangle, which involves bringing balance to the body, psyche, and worldview. The body is treated with nicotine gum as medication, the worldview grows through the teachings we receive, and in the process, the psyche also reaches the necessary balance. However, it’s important to understand that the growth of these three aspects requires a solid and suitable foundation—and that foundation is none other than order and discipline.
Being a smoker, hookah user, or drug consumer is the result of disorder. It’s disorder that drives a person to drugs, because someone whose inner world is in chaos looks for something to soothe themselves. Unfortunately, we humans tend to seek shortcuts, thinking that by smoking cigarettes or using hookah, we can eliminate our disorder and inner turmoil.
We all know that Congress 60 was founded during the blessed month of Ramadan. As Mr. Hossein Dezhakam recounts in his book Crossing the Zone Minus 60 Degrees Centigrade, it all began when he introduced order into his substance use. That was the beginning of this journey—and today, we can see that Congress 60 operates with even more discipline than an army. Every workshop, session, the reading of texts and messages, and the master of the ceremony’s talk—all are held at precise times, grounded in order and discipline. Without this structure, there would be no branches, no legions, and no Congress 60.
Only those who move in alignment with this system will succeed here. Congress 60 has demonstrated that those who are more disciplined and orderly reach their goals faster—whether it’s the path toward liberation or the journey to becoming a servant in the service of others. Order and discipline allow you to reach liberation at the right time. Discipline turns you into a servant, because as Mr. Dezhakam writes in Crossing the Zone Minus 60 Degrees Centigrade, “Anyone who arrives late will miss the bus.” We must be present on time, engage when we should, and actively seek education—only then can we truly experience order and discipline.
In the nicotine recovery journey, using nicotine gum is essential. You must take your gum even while fasting. If you postpone it and only use it between Iftar and Suhoor (from sunset to dawn), it causes harm. During fasting, hunger can make us irritable, and if we don’t take the gum, it adds even more tension.
We’ve been consumers for years—now it’s time to take care of our bodies and start the healing process, so that in future Ramadans, we can experience fasting and spiritual connection in their best form. This year, take your medication consistently and in alignment with your fasting, because from my perspective, caring for the body is one of the highest forms of worship.
A very important aspect of this week’s agenda topic is the matter of respect. We must show respect to every member of Congress 60—from newcomers all the way to Mr. Hossein Dezhakam, the founder and highest-ranking figure in Congress 60.
A colonel once shared that during military parades, soldiers were taught to salute the lights bearing rank insignias—not because the lights mattered, but so they would learn to respect their superiors. In Congress 60, the service scarves serve a similar purpose. These scarves—green, orange, navy, and others—symbolize responsibility, discipline, and experience. Even if the person wearing it doesn’t stand out, the scarf itself commands respect. The individual wearing it has undoubtedly worked hard, gained experience, and now offers that knowledge as a gift to first-travel pupils on their path to recovery.
I hope we understand that this order, discipline, and respect is ultimately for our own benefit. It’s designed to help us grow and become complete human beings. By learning to uphold discipline within Congress 60, we become capable of bringing order into our personal lives, our work, and our daily routines. And let us always remember: respect is mutual. We do these things not for others, but for ourselves.
Respect means honoring the dignity and boundaries of others. When we respect others, they naturally reciprocate. The way I treat my family, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances reflects my character, and based on that, people decide how much value to place on me. We are mirrors of one another’s behavior.
Being organized and disciplined enables a person to carry out their work in the best possible way. The true secret behind the endurance and continuous growth of Congress 60 is its strict discipline—and more importantly, adherence to its principles and values. From the very beginning of each session, when every chair is neatly arranged, the discipline of Congress 60 becomes clear.
The rules of Congress 60 are structured so that only those who truly seek liberation can remain. Those who don’t respect or follow the boundaries and principles naturally remove themselves. In Congress 60, I’ve learned that reaching the command of reason starts with small things. When someone keeps their kitchen sink clean or takes out the trash every night, that’s a sign of obedience to reason.
To maintain order and discipline in Congress 60, we must obey our guide. We must firmly support the border-guards so we can help provide a safe and secure environment. All individuals who seek help are welcome in Congress 60. As Mr. Hossein Dezhakam says, “Whoever enters this place, give them bread—do not ask about their faith.” And it’s truly amazing that no matter what background or disvalue someone arrives with, from the very beginning, they’re taught the foundational principles of life. Even things like dressing appropriately, maintaining a neat appearance, and arriving on time are basic rules in Congress 60. These small things build character and teach a person that they must establish a unique structure and discipline in their life.
This agenda topic is incredibly important and educational. These kinds of reminders help me recognize that I must first care for myself—my appearance, my clothing, my personal order—so that I can then bring order to my surroundings, my home, and my workplace. These are the principles of living correctly. Often, by starting with the small and seemingly insignificant, we ultimately reach the very goal we had in mind from the beginning.
Translated by: Companion Sepideh
4/11/2025
.jpg)
Revised by: Companion Marjan
https://congress60.org/News/En_Show.aspx?RelatedID=401275