[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.

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.

[4] Gymnastiar was born as one of four children, and he had worked from the ground up such as selling newspapers and driving public transportation to self-finance while attending the after schooling in electrical engineering before turning into an entrepreneur.

[3] During the 80s, under the guidance of Jujun Junaedi in Garut, West Java, he deepened the spiritual understanding of laduni (science without learning process).

[1] In 1990, he founded Pondok Pesantren Da'arut Tauhiid (DT) through KMIW at Gymnastiar's parents' house which then moved to Gegerkalong Girang street, equipped with a 20-unit cabin and financed directly by its owner at Rp 100 million.

In 1995, about 50 meters from the mosque, a pilgrim bought a plot of land along with its building which was then used as the foundation's office, the residence of the cottage leader, kindergartens, meeting room, convention center, warehouse, and the dormitory for santris (student of pesantren).

At the end of 1997, the four-story Kopontren Building across the mosque was built and used for Baitul Mal wat-Tamwil (BMT) offices for staff training and printing, supermarkets and mini markets, telecommunication stalls, and others.

[4] In December 2006, Gymnastiar held a press conference announcing his polygamous marriage to a widow with three children who was a former model, Alfarini Eridani as his second wife.

[17] In this event, Muhsin, the parents of Teh Nini who became his guardian after asking for permission from the religious court, also submitted the mandatory payment (mahr) of Rp.