Arabic version: هيئة الإفتاء الليبية تحظر ملابس تحمل شعار نايكي

According to Allafrica, Libya’s highest religious authority, Dar al-Ifta, has issued a ruling prohibiting Muslims from buying, selling or wearing clothing bearing the Nike logo. The Tripoli-based institution said the ruling was approved by Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sadiq al-Gharyani.

Dar al-Ifta said Nike’s name is derived from the Greek goddess of victory and that the company’s swoosh logo is inspired by her wings. It argued that wearing clothing displaying the logo promotes symbols associated with the worship of multiple gods, which it considers contrary to Islamic teachings.

The religious committee also accused Nike of supporting Israel and repeated calls for a boycott of companies it considers supportive of the country during the war in Gaza. The ruling does not amount to an official government ban and has no specified legal penalties.

Dar al-Ifta has previously issued similar rulings concerning jewellery and watches bearing the logo of French luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels. The Nike decision prompted mixed reactions on social media, with some people welcoming it and others questioning its relevance in light of Libya’s wider political and economic challenges.