A Modern, Mystic Ramadan

Gulen has faced criminal charges several times of seeking to overthrow Turkey's established secular political order. The latest charges against him, made in 1999, were nullified after recent legal reforms there, according to Turkey scholars, who say Gulen lives in the United States -- in Pennsylvania and New Jersey -- so he can be treated for a heart condition.

At Unsal's home in Fairfax, the guests came casually dressed and, following Turkish custom, left their shoes inside, at the front door.

The men and women mingled, and only one of the women wore a head scarf. The group included two businessmen, a schoolteacher and a historian. Gulen had written the essay they discussed on "Sincerity or Purity of Intention."

"Sincerity starts with the heart and then comes to your mouth and deeds," said Unsal, 33, who holds graduate degrees in theology and is publicity manager for the McLean-based American Turkish Friendship Association.

He urged his fellow Muslims "not to show off" and to keep their good works between themselves and God.

"Only God knows if you are sincere. There is no way to measure sincerity," added Ali Aslan, 38, Washington correspondent for Zaman.

"There is no sincere-o-meter," Yurtsever quipped, making everyone laugh.

With the formal discussion over, the group shared Turkish food and conversation.

Like others at the session, McLean resident Fatih Guner, 36, a bathroom-tile manufacturer, said he is eager for U.S residents to learn about Turkish Islam because of its tolerance.

"Gulen encourages Muslims to go to the West and show them what Islam is," said Aslan. "We are trying to be good role models."

Everyone in the group was looking forward to Ramadan.

Turan, who has been in the United States nine years, said she will decorate her home for Ramadan and have her children, ages 8 and 6, practice fasting for a few hours on weekends. She also will have them watch Turkish satellite television channels so they can see how Ramadan is celebrated in her native country.

"I'll try more to have them understand Ramadan as I understand it at home," she said.