Libya's Top Religious Authority Issues Fatwa Against Wearing Nike

Libya’s highest religious authority, the Tripoli-based Dar al-Ifta, has issued a formal ruling banning Muslims from buying, selling, or wearing clothing that bears the Nike logo. Approved by Grand Mufti Sadiq al-Gharyani, the religious opinion argues that the American sportswear giant is named after the Greek goddess of victory, and that its iconic swoosh logo represents her wings.

According to the institution, wearing garments featuring the logo promotes symbols linked to polytheism. Furthermore, the religious committee accused Nike of supporting Israel, tying the directive to a previous statement urging boycotts of Western companies perceived to back Israel during the conflict in Gaza.

While the Dar al-Ifta is influential in western Libya, its fatwas are religious rulings rather than legally enforceable government decrees. The fatwa does not carry official state penalties, and Nike does not have official stores in Libya, though branded and counterfeit items remain widely available through local retailers.

This ruling follows a similar decree last year against luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels over clover designs allegedly tied to Christian beliefs. Reactions on social media have been mixed, reflecting ongoing debates regarding religious conservatism and public life in the politically divided nation.

Read more details on the Nile Post.