Abdullah Gymnastiar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Yan Gymnastiar January 29, 1962 |
| Nationality | Indonesian |
| Other names | Aa Gym |
| Education |
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| Occupation(s) | Islamic preacher, singer, author, entrepreneur, founder of the Da'arut Tauhiid Pondok Pesantren, Founder of AA GYM (Fitness Center) |
| Organizations |
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| Spouse(s) | Hajjah Ninih Muthma'innah (div. 2021) Elfarini Eridani |
| Children | between Ninih: Ghaida Tsurayya Muhammad Ghazi Al Ghifari Ghina Roudlotul Jannah Ghaitsa Zahira Shofa Ghefira Nur Fathimah Muhammad Ghaza Al Ghazali Gheriyya Rahimah between Eridani: Muhammad Ghaisan Driyya Addien |
| Parent(s) | Haji Engkus Kuswara Hajjah Yeti Rohayati |
Yan Gymnastiar (born January 29, 1962), better known as Abdullah Gymnastiar or Aa Gym (lit: elder brother Gym), is an Indonesian Islamic preacher, singer, author, businessman and founder of the Da'arut Tauhiid Pondok Pesantren in Bandung.[1] Gymnastiar became popular by introducing a unique way of preaching by theatrical style with practical messages of Islamic propagation that can be commonly applied to everyday life.
His sermons revolve around self-control, conscience, tolerance, and persistence of faith. Gymnastiar is considered favored by its audience due to his construction of image as a religious figure different from other scholars. While conventional scholars preach about the virtues of prayers, fasting, and the splendor of heaven, Gymnastiar chooses to tell about the importance of sincerity, peace, and serenity (sakina) of family, using everyday language that is accessible and affectionate.[3] At the peak, he had a substantial number of followings, and his media enterprise had regular audience of more than 80 million people.[4]
The topic of discussion about the family is concentrated on the housewives, to the point that he is referred as "ustad of the happy family". This image became controversial when the media announced Gymnastiar's polygamous marriage with Alfarini Eridani, also known as Teh Rini in December 2006, when he had been married to his first wife Hajjah Ninih Muthmainnah, also known as Teh Ninih, since the year 1988 and had seven children. Many fans were disappointed, stopped visiting Da'arut Tauhiid, and went down the street protesting against his polygamy.[5] The controversy had a major impact on his popularity and business.[6] He has been gradually regaining his popularity since then.[4]
- ^ a b "Abdullah Gymnastiar". Tokoh Indonesia.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
- ^ a b c Eko Hendrawan Sofyan (December 3, 2006). "Aa Gym Mengaku Nikahi Janda Beranak Tiga". Forum-Pembaca-KOMPAS by Agus Hamonangan. Kompas.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
- ^ Simon Elegant and Jason Tedjasukmana (November 4, 2002). "Holy Man". Time. Archived from the original on December 11, 2007. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
- ^ a b AA Gym Gymnastiar. The Muslim 500. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
- ^ "AdilNews.com Jakak Pendapat Dai Muda Terpopuler: Dakwah Popularitas dan Televisi". Archived from the original on April 26, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
- ^ JawaPos: Ke Pesantren Daarut Tauhiid saat Pamor Aa Gym Meredup