Aa Gym ends marriage with first wife via ‘talaq’

BANDUNG: Abdullah Gymnastiar, the leader of Daarut Tauhid Islamic Boarding School, has reportedly divorced his first wife Ninih Muthmainah, better known as Teh Ninih, under Islamic law.

Detikhot.com reported that Aa Gym had performed talaq three times and reconciled once. Under Islamic law, a husband can divorce his wife by saying the phrase “talaq” (I divorce you) to her.

The once-famous Islamic leader, popularly called Aa Gym, who preaches harmony in family, took a second wife by marrying Alfarini Eridani, a widower with three children, in 2006. This move destroyed his popularity as his supporters, mostly women, were offended by his polygamy.

Aa Gym and Teh Ninih married in 1987 and have seven children. Teh Ninih is also an active Islamic preacher. — JP